Don't toss coffee skins: Here's how you can use them
What's the story
Cascara is the dried skin of coffee cherries. Once the coffee beans are removed, the leftover husks are typically thrown away. But, you can brew those husks to make a delicious tea. This article lists five ways to use cascara to jazz up your tea routines. Read on to discover how to add a tasty twist to your favorite drinks.
Exploration
Discovering cascara's potential
Cascara has been the secret star of the tea world for years. It has a gentle sweetness and fruity undertones, making it a refreshing departure from traditional tea leaves. On its own, cascara provides a gentle caffeine lift - less intense than coffee, but stronger than most herbal teas. This makes it perfect for those seeking a mid-afternoon pick-me-up without the jitters that can come with stronger caffeinated options.
Cold brew
Cascara cold brew magic
On those sweltering summer days, nothing beats a refreshing glass of cascara cold brew. Just combine 20 grams of cascara with one liter of cold water and let it steep for 24 hours in the fridge. Strain it and voila, you have a delicious, energizing iced tea! Serve it over ice. For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a slice of lemon or orange before serving.
Chai twist
Spice it up with cascara chai
Cascara pairs wonderfully with classic chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. To create your own cascara chai, simply simmer two tablespoons of cascara along with your preferred chai spices in water for 15 minutes. Strain and enjoy hot with a splash of milk and a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. This delicious drink will not only keep you cozy but also fill your kitchen with a heavenly scent.
Syrup creation
Sweet treats: Cascara syrup
Boil a cup of cascara in two cups of water until it's reduced by half. Then, add a cup of sugar and stir until it's fully dissolved. You can store this syrup in the fridge and use it to give a special fruity and tangy touch to your teas, coffees or cocktails.
Dessert infusion
Elevating desserts with cascara infusion
Cascara can elevate desserts with unexpected infusions. Infusing cascara through steeping in milk or cream before incorporating it into recipes like panna cotta or custard imparts the delicate essence of coffee cherries. These familiar sweet treats are transformed with a unique flavor profile, setting them apart from their traditional counterparts and creating a delightful element of surprise with each bite.