Cascara: The secret ingredient you've been missing
What's the story
Cascara is the unsung hero of the coffee world. These dried skins of coffee cherries, often dismissed as a byproduct, are finally getting their due.
Packed with antioxidants and boasting a subtle sweetness, cascara is the secret ingredient you didn't know you needed.
Ready to shake up your culinary game? Check out these five unexpected ways to use cascara.
Tea
Cascara tea: A simple start
Brewing cascara tea is the simplest method to experience this ingredient.
Just use 10 grams of cascara for every 350 ml of hot water and let it steep for four to seven minutes.
You'll be left with a delicious drink that tastes like a mix of cherry, honey, and rose hip.
It's a great way to get to know cascara and can be enjoyed either hot or cold.
Baking
Elevate your baking
Ground cascara can be a secret weapon in baking, adding depth and complexity to your favorite treats.
Simply replace up to 10% of the flour in your cookie, cake, or bread recipes with finely ground cascara for a subtle fruity note.
This hint of fruitiness pairs beautifully with chocolate and nut flavors.
Just this little tweak can turn your classic recipes into gourmet delights.
Syrup
Creative cascara syrups
Making a syrup out of cascara provides a versatile sweetener for coffees, teas, or even mocktails.
Simply simmer one part cascara with two parts sugar and three parts water until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture has thickened a bit.
You can keep this syrup in the fridge for a couple of weeks, always ready to enhance your favorite beverages with its unique flavor.
Sauce
A twist on traditional sauces
Cascara shines in savory applications, especially in creative sauces.
A simple barbecue sauce gets a serious upgrade by using brewed cascara tea in place of water or vinegar during its preparation.
The gentle sweetness of cascara complements smoky flavors beautifully, providing a taste sensation that's both familiar and excitingly new.
It adds a gourmet touch to grilled vegetables, making it a secret weapon in the kitchen.
Dressing
Innovative salad dressings
Finally, ground cascara can be whisked into vinaigrettes or creamy salad dressings to add a layer of flavor complexity.
Start with one teaspoon per cup of dressing base and adjust to taste.
Its subtle fruitiness pairs well with salads containing nuts, cheeses (feta or goat cheese), and robust greens like kale or arugula.