How Caffeinated Is Cascara Compared to Coffee and Tea?

Multiple studies show that cascara contains significantly less caffeine than a standard cup of brewed coffee, offering a gentler energy boost without the jitters. The caffeine level in this coffee cherry tea is comparable to that of green tea, making it an excellent alternative for those who are sensitive to higher caffeine concentrations.

Quick Summary

Cascara, or coffee cherry tea, has a moderate caffeine content, typically about a quarter of a cup of standard brewed coffee. Several factors, including brewing temperature, water-to-cascara ratio, and coffee variety, influence the final caffeine level. It provides a milder, more sustained energy boost compared to coffee. For context, its caffeine is similar to green tea and roughly half that of black tea.

Key Points

• Low Caffeine Content: Cascara contains roughly 25mg of caffeine per cup, about a quarter of a standard brewed coffee.

• Milder Energy Boost: The moderate caffeine level provides a gentle, sustained lift in energy, ideal for those sensitive to caffeine spikes and crashes.

• Comparable to Green Tea: Its caffeine content is similar to that of green tea, offering a balanced and flavorful alternative.

• Influenced by Brewing Ratio: A stronger ratio of cascara to water will result in a more caffeinated brew, while steep time has a less significant impact on caffeine extraction.

• Processing and Variety Matter: The specific variety of the coffee plant, growing conditions, and processing methods can all cause variations in the final caffeine content.

What is Cascara? An Introduction to Coffee Cherry Tea

Before diving into its caffeine content, it's important to understand what cascara is. Cascara, which translates to "husk" or "skin" in Spanish, is a beverage made from the dried skins and pulp of the coffee fruit. While the beans inside are removed to produce traditional coffee, the outer fruit is a flavorful and often discarded byproduct. Recently, however, farmers and consumers have rediscovered this coffee cherry tea as a sustainable and delicious drink.

The Surprising Caffeine Levels in Cascara

Given its origin on the coffee plant, many assume cascara is highly caffeinated, but research shows this is not the case. The caffeine levels are surprisingly modest, aligning more closely with many traditional teas than with brewed coffee.

• A gentler effect: A typical cup of cascara contains around 25 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. This is notably less than the approximately 80 to 95 mg found in an average cup of brewed coffee. For those with caffeine sensitivity, this lower dose offers a pleasant, sustained lift without the sharp spike and crash.
• Steeping time matters less for caffeine: One study indicated that with cascara tea, the steeping time had little effect on the final caffeine concentration, unlike traditional tea, where longer steeping extracts more caffeine. The concentration is more dependent on the cascara-to-water ratio.

Factors Influencing Cascara's Caffeine Content

While its caffeine is naturally low, several elements can influence the final potency of your brew.

List of Influencing Factors

• Brewing Ratio: The amount of dried cascara used per volume of water directly affects the caffeine level. A stronger ratio will, unsurprisingly, produce a more caffeinated beverage.
• Brewing Temperature: Research has shown that brewing with different temperatures can impact extraction. Interestingly, some cold-brewed cascara methods resulted in higher caffeine concentrations compared to hot-brewed samples in certain studies.
• Coffee Variety: Just as different coffee species have varying caffeine levels in their beans (e.g., Robusta vs. Arabica), the same applies to the cascara. The variety of the coffee plant influences the chemical composition of its fruit.
• Processing Method: How the coffee cherry was processed can also play a role. A delayed depulping process can initiate microbial fermentation, which some studies suggest can affect the final caffeine content of the cascara.
• Growing Conditions: The altitude, climate, and soil of the coffee plant's farm can all contribute to the final chemical makeup of the fruit, including its caffeine content.

Comparison of Caffeine Content: Cascara vs. Other Beverages

This table provides a clear snapshot of how cascara's caffeine level stacks up against popular caffeinated drinks. The values are approximations for an average cup size and can vary.

Beverage	Average Caffeine Content (per 8 oz cup)	Comparison	Notes
Cascara Tea	25 mg	Roughly 1/4 of brewed coffee	A low-caffeine, fruity tea alternative.
Brewed Coffee	80–95 mg	The standard, high-caffeine option	A much sharper, more intense energy boost.
Black Tea	50 mg	Double the caffeine of cascara	Offers a medium-level energy lift.
Green Tea	25 mg	Similar to cascara	A low-to-moderate alternative with antioxidants.
Espresso (1 oz shot)	60 mg	More potent per fluid ounce	Concentrated caffeine, but a smaller volume.
Sodas	30–40 mg	Varies widely by brand	Often paired with high sugar content.

Brewing Your Own Cascara

Brewing cascara is straightforward and offers plenty of room for experimentation. While the steep time has less impact on caffeine extraction, it significantly affects the flavor profile.

How to Brew Hot Cascara

1. Ratio: Start with a ratio of 1:25 (cascara to water). For example, 5 grams of dried cascara for 125 ml of water.
2. Water Temp: Bring water to a near-boil, around 200°F (93°C).
3. Steep: Pour the hot water over the cascara and let it steep for 4 to 8 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
4. Strain: Use a French press, fine-mesh strainer, or tea filter to remove the husks. Enjoy!

How to Cold-Brew Cascara

1. Ratio: Use a higher cascara-to-water ratio for a more concentrated cold brew, such as 1:15.
2. Soak: Combine the cascara and cold, filtered water in a container. Let it steep for 12 to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Filter: Strain the mixture thoroughly and serve over ice. Add honey or citrus for a refreshing twist.

Conclusion: How Caffeinated is Cascara? Not Very!

So, how caffeinated is cascara? The answer is moderately. It's a low-caffeine beverage, especially when compared to its famous caffeinated counterpart, the coffee bean. As a fruit-based tea, its caffeine levels are more in line with green tea, providing a gentle and sustained energy lift rather than the intense jolt of a coffee. This makes it an ideal choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine or seeking a flavorful, low-caffeine alternative. The final caffeine content is influenced by factors like the brewing ratio, water temperature, and coffee variety, so experimentation with brewing methods can help you find the perfect balance of flavor and mild stimulation. With its unique fruity taste and gentle energy, cascara offers a delightful and sustainable addition to any beverage rotation.

Authoritative Link

For more detailed scientific research on the chemical composition and health benefits of cascara, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is an excellent resource, specifically articles published on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

Keypoints

• Low Caffeine Content: Cascara contains roughly 25mg of caffeine per cup, about a quarter of a standard brewed coffee.
• Milder Energy Boost: The moderate caffeine level provides a gentle, sustained lift in energy, ideal for those sensitive to caffeine spikes and crashes.
• Comparable to Green Tea: Its caffeine content is similar to that of green tea, offering a balanced and flavorful alternative.
• Influenced by Brewing Ratio: A stronger ratio of cascara to water will result in a more caffeinated brew, while steep time has a less significant impact on caffeine extraction.
• Processing and Variety Matter: The specific variety of the coffee plant, growing conditions, and processing methods can all cause variations in the final caffeine content.

Faqs

• Is cascara more caffeinated than green tea? No, a typical cup of cascara has a very similar caffeine content to green tea, with both hovering around 25mg per cup.
• Can I drink cascara if I am sensitive to caffeine? Yes, because of its low caffeine content and the gentler energy boost it provides, cascara is often suitable for individuals who are sensitive to higher levels of caffeine.
• Does brewing cascara longer increase the caffeine? Unlike traditional tea, studies suggest that for cascara, the brewing time has less impact on the final caffeine content. The concentration is more affected by the cascara-to-water ratio.
• How does cascara's caffeine compare to black tea? Cascara is significantly less caffeinated than black tea, which can contain around 50mg of caffeine per cup.
• What factors besides brewing affect cascara's caffeine? Factors like the specific coffee variety, processing methods, growing altitude, climate, and soil conditions can all influence the inherent caffeine levels of the cascara.
• Does cascara give you the jitters like coffee? The lower caffeine level and the presence of other compounds mean cascara is less likely to cause the jitters and anxiety often associated with higher-caffeine coffee.
• Is all cascara processed the same way? No, processing can vary. It is important to source cascara that is properly dried and prepared to avoid potential issues with mold or toxins, which can occur if the cascara is not processed with care.

Citations

[ { "title": "What is Cascara? Uses, Health Benefits, Caffiene Content and More", "url": "https://theroasterspack.com/blogs/news/what-is-cascara" }, { "title": "What is Cascara: Discovering the Unique Flavor & Benefits of Coffee Cherry Tea", "url": "https://qavashop.com/en/academy/Post/what-is-cascara-discovering-the-unique-flavor-benefits-of-coffee-cherry-tea" }, { "title": "Cascara and caffeine - Square Mile Coffee Roasters", "url": "https://squaremileblog.com/2013/08/30/cascara-and-caffeine/" }, { "title": "What Is Cascara Coffee? | Everything You Need To Know", "url": "https://twistedgoatcoffee.com/blogs/coffee-101/what-is-cascara-coffee" }, { "title": "What To Know About Cascara, The Coffee Drink You've Never Heard Of", "url": "https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-is-cascara-coffee-tea_l_60edba66e4b0d5140eb9f873" } ] }

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cascara more caffeinated than green tea?

No, a typical cup of cascara has a very similar caffeine content to green tea, with both hovering around 25mg per cup.

Can I drink cascara if I am sensitive to caffeine?

Yes, because of its low caffeine content and the gentler energy boost it provides, cascara is often suitable for individuals who are sensitive to higher levels of caffeine.

Does brewing cascara longer increase the caffeine?

Unlike traditional tea, studies suggest that for cascara, the brewing time has less impact on the final caffeine content. The concentration is more affected by the cascara-to-water ratio.

How does cascara's caffeine compare to black tea?

Cascara is significantly less caffeinated than black tea, which can contain around 50mg of caffeine per cup.

What factors besides brewing affect cascara's caffeine?

Factors like the specific coffee variety, processing methods, growing altitude, climate, and soil conditions can all influence the inherent caffeine levels of the cascara.

Does cascara give you the jitters like coffee?

The lower caffeine level and the presence of other compounds mean cascara is less likely to cause the jitters and anxiety often associated with higher-caffeine coffee.

Is all cascara processed the same way?

No, processing can vary. It is important to source cascara that is properly dried and prepared to avoid potential issues with mold or toxins, which can occur if the cascara is not processed with care.