CASCARA | Rwanda Abakundakawa

Cascara – dried coffee cherry peels for hot or cold infusion

Some call it tea, other call it a byproduct of coffee. But anyway you call it, cascara is truly unique. These dried coffee cherry peels contain a whole lot of flavor and sugar. So when steeped in either hot or cold coffee, the resulting drink is a fruity sweet and a little tart drink that can be a substitute for tea (but never for coffee 😜).

With its low caffeine content (about eight times less than coffee) this is the perfect »sip all day« drink or a base for some tasty beverage mixology.

Farm: Abakundakawa, Rwanda Weight: 150g

Produced by the Abakundakawa cooperative in Rwanda, this offering from Goat Story highlights the unique potential of the coffee cherry beyond the bean itself. Cascara, the dried skin and pulp of the coffee fruit, is often celebrated for its distinct profile that bridges the gap between herbal tea and fruit infusion. While traditional coffee brewing focuses on the seed, utilizing the fruit provides a different perspective on the harvest, often yielding notes reminiscent of dried stone fruits or hibiscus.

When evaluating such unique products, it is helpful to reference the flavor wheel to identify the nuanced acidity and sweetness inherent in the dried fruit. Because processing methods significantly influence the final cup, understanding the origin’s specific handling of the cherry is essential for appreciating the complexity found in this Rwandan selection. This entry serves as a reminder of the diverse ways producers can showcase the full spectrum of the coffee plant.