What is Cascara?

Coffee cherries

Coffee beans are actually the seed of a fruit. This cherry-like fruit has a skin that must be removed during normal coffee production to get to the bean, and is usually a by-product used as compost for the new crop. However, these skins can also be dried in the sun and steeped to make a delicious hot or cold drink called Cascara. When steeped, the coffee cherry skins let out a sweet, fruity flavor that is reminiscent of tea. It has less caffeine than a cup of coffee but more than a cup of black tea, making it a great middle-ground. Cascara is loved by coffee lovers and coffee haters alike, and most people would never guess where it comes from.