Is coffee fruit used for anything? Uncovering the surprising second life of the coffee cherry

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

Annually, the coffee industry discards billions of pounds of coffee cherry pulp during processing, but this is changing as growers and innovators find new applications. So, is coffee fruit used for anything beyond being a waste byproduct? Yes, it is increasingly being repurposed into a valuable superfood ingredient for various health and wellness products.

Quick Summary

Coffee fruit, once a discarded byproduct of coffee production, is now transformed into a range of valuable products. Its primary uses include cascara tea, antioxidant-rich extracts for supplements, and ingredients for skincare. This repurposing helps reduce agricultural waste and provides additional income streams for farmers.

Key Points

Cascara Tea: The dried pulp and skin of the coffee cherry, known as cascara, is brewed to make a sweet, fruity tea with a lower caffeine content than coffee.
Antioxidant Extracts: Coffee fruit is a potent source of antioxidants like polyphenols and chlorogenic acid, leading to its use in superfood supplements and wellness products.
Brain Health Support: Extracts from the coffee cherry have been shown to increase levels of BDNF, a protein that promotes brain cell growth and improves cognitive function.
Skincare Ingredient: The fruit's high antioxidant content makes it a valuable ingredient in skincare products, protecting against damage and promoting youthful-looking skin.
Waste Reduction: Repurposing coffee fruit into new products drastically reduces the environmental waste historically associated with coffee production.
Agricultural Uses: Beyond consumption, coffee pulp is effectively used as compost for soil enrichment and as a component in animal feed.

From Waste to Wellness: The Rise of Coffee Fruit

For centuries, the coffee bean has been the star of the show, but what about the fleshy fruit that surrounds it? Known as the coffee cherry, this ruby-red fruit was traditionally discarded after the beans were extracted for processing. However, a growing interest in sustainability and functional ingredients has put the spotlight on this undervalued resource, prompting the question: is coffee fruit used for anything? The answer is a resounding yes, with a multitude of applications in the food, beverage, cosmetic, and agricultural industries.

Cascara Tea: A Sustainable and Fruity Brew

One of the most well-known uses for coffee fruit is the creation of cascara, a tea-like beverage made from the dried skins and pulp of the coffee cherry. The Spanish word 'cascara' means 'husk' or 'skin,' and this fruity infusion is a testament to resourceful tradition.

The Production Process:

Ripe coffee cherries are de-pulped to separate the beans.
The leftover skins and pulp are carefully collected and sun-dried.
The dried cascara is then steeped in hot water, much like a traditional herbal tea.

This brew has a naturally sweet, fruity flavor profile with notes of hibiscus, red currant, and cherry, and contains a lower caffeine content than a standard cup of coffee, offering a gentle, sustained energy boost. Historically, this tea was common in coffee-producing regions like Yemen and Bolivia, and it has recently gained international popularity as a unique and sustainable beverage alternative.

Extracts and Supplements: The Superfood Revolution

Recent research has highlighted the potent health benefits of coffee fruit, thanks to its high concentration of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. This has led to a boom in the use of coffee fruit extracts and powders in the supplement industry, where it's marketed as a powerful 'superfood' ingredient.

Key Health Benefits of Coffee Fruit Extracts

Rich in Antioxidants: Coffee fruit contains numerous antioxidants, including chlorogenic acid and polyphenols, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. Its antioxidant capacity can be surprisingly high, rivaling or exceeding that of more famous superfoods.
Supports Brain Health: Studies suggest that coffee fruit extract can increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein crucial for protecting brain cells and supporting cognitive function. This has led to its inclusion in supplements aimed at enhancing memory and focus.
May Aid Weight Management: The chlorogenic acid found in coffee fruit may play a role in promoting weight loss and fat burning, though more human research is needed to confirm these effects.

Topical Skincare Applications

Because of its powerful antioxidant properties, coffee fruit extract is a sought-after ingredient in the cosmetics industry. When applied topically, it can help protect the skin from environmental damage and promote a more youthful appearance. Some skincare products incorporating coffee fruit claim to improve skin texture, reduce inflammation, and support collagen production.

Agricultural Byproducts: From Waste to Resource

Before its rise as a superfood, coffee fruit pulp was often left to decompose in large piles, creating significant environmental problems including water pollution from runoff. Innovative agricultural practices have since found sustainable uses for this byproduct, turning it into a valuable resource rather than waste.

Alternative Agricultural Uses:

Fertilizer and Compost: The pulp can be composted and returned to the soil, creating a rich organic fertilizer that enriches soil health and reduces the need for synthetic alternatives.
Animal Feed: Studies have shown that processed coffee pulp can be safely incorporated into animal feed, reducing costs and providing a nutritious supplement for livestock.

Coffee Fruit vs. Coffee Bean: A Comparison


Feature	Coffee Fruit (Cascara/Extract)	Coffee Bean (Roasted/Brewed)
Form	Dried skin, pulp, and mucilage; often processed into tea, extracts, or powder.	Roasted, ground seed.
Flavor Profile	Sweet, fruity, floral (e.g., hibiscus, red currant).	Rich, earthy, nutty, chocolate, caramel (varies widely).
Caffeine Content	Significantly lower; offers a milder, more sustained boost.	High; provides a stronger, more immediate stimulating effect.
Antioxidant Levels	Extremely high, particularly in extracts.	Contains antioxidants, but levels can be lower depending on processing and brewing.
Main Use	Supplements, teas, juices, skincare, agricultural uses.	Aromatic, stimulating beverage.

The Sustainable Future of Coffee Production

The shift towards utilizing the entire coffee cherry is more than a trend; it's a move towards a more sustainable and responsible coffee industry. By transforming what was once considered waste into valuable products, coffee producers can increase their profits, reduce their environmental footprint, and offer consumers new ways to experience the coffee plant. This innovation supports a circular economy at the farm level, ensuring that every part of the harvest contributes to a more sustainable future. For more on how sustainable practices are changing the industry, see the International Coffee Organization's potential alternative uses of coffee by-products.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Bean's Wrapper

In conclusion, the question "is coffee fruit used for anything?" has evolved from a matter of waste management to a significant market opportunity. From cascara tea and potent superfood extracts to eco-friendly agricultural applications, the coffee cherry's repurposed life benefits both human health and the planet. This reevaluation of a long-discarded byproduct highlights a larger movement towards sustainability and innovation in the food and beverage industry, proving that sometimes the most valuable resources are the ones we've overlooked for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cascara tea, made from dried coffee fruit, does not taste like roasted coffee. It has a sweet, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor profile with notes often described as hibiscus, red currant, and cherry.

Cascara tea typically contains significantly less caffeine than a cup of brewed coffee, offering a milder, more sustained energy boost. The exact amount depends on the brewing method and steeping time.

Yes, coffee cherries are edible, though their fresh pulp is somewhat fibrous. While they have a sweet, mild flavor, most people consume them dried or processed into other forms like tea or extracts rather than fresh.

Coffee fruit extract is primarily used in dietary supplements and nootropic products due to its high antioxidant content and its ability to boost levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Yes, coffee fruit and its products are generally considered safe for consumption in moderation. However, it's always wise to consult a healthcare provider before adding new supplements to your routine, especially if you have existing health conditions.

By finding new uses for the coffee cherry, the coffee industry can drastically reduce the amount of organic waste that was historically a source of pollution. Repurposing it into products like compost also creates a more sustainable agricultural cycle.

Some studies suggest that the chlorogenic acid in coffee fruit extract may help reduce weight and burn fat. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects on human weight management.