Is the cascara fruit edible and safe to consume?

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

Cascara, the dried husk of the coffee cherry fruit, was historically discarded as a byproduct of coffee production. Today, this former waste product has gained global attention as a sustainable and nutritious superfood, primarily used to brew a fruity, tea-like beverage. But is the cascara fruit edible, and is it safe?

Quick Summary

This article explores the edibility of the coffee cherry's husk, or cascara. It details how this dried fruit is prepared for consumption, its unique flavor profile, its health benefits, and important safety considerations, distinguishing it from the laxative-producing cascara sagrada bark.

Key Points

Two Types of Cascara: There is edible cascara from the coffee cherry and a distinct medicinal bark called cascara sagrada, which is a laxative.
Safe When Processed: The dried husk of the coffee cherry (cascara) is edible and safe for consumption when prepared correctly, usually as a brewed tea.
Rich in Antioxidants: Edible cascara is packed with beneficial antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids, offering health benefits similar to other superfoods.
Low Caffeine Content: Cascara tea contains significantly less caffeine than brewed coffee, providing a milder energy boost without the jitters.
Supports Sustainability: Using cascara reduces waste in the coffee production process and creates an extra source of income for coffee farmers.
Careful Sourcing: To avoid pesticides or mold, it is best to source organic, properly dried cascara from reputable suppliers.

The question of whether the cascara fruit is edible is more complex than a simple 'yes' or 'no.' It depends on which 'cascara' you are referring to and how it is processed. For most consumers, 'cascara' refers to the dried skin and pulp of the coffee cherry, which is perfectly safe and widely used to make a tea-like infusion. However, the term should not be confused with 'cascara sagrada,' a bark from a different tree species with potent laxative properties.

Understanding the Coffee Cherry and its Edible Husk

A coffee bean is actually the seed of the coffee cherry, a fruit that looks similar to a red or yellow berry. The cascara is the flesh and outer skin of this fruit, which is separated from the seed during coffee processing. Traditionally, this husk was treated as a waste product, but it has a long history of use in coffee-producing regions like Yemen and Bolivia, where it's brewed into a flavorful tea called Qishr or Sultana. The re-emerging interest in cascara is driven by a desire for sustainable products and its unique flavor profile.

How Cascara is Processed and Prepared for Consumption

The edibility and safety of cascara depend heavily on its processing. The husks are typically sun-dried, a process that must be done carefully to prevent mold and bacteria. The final product is a dried, reddish-brown flake that can be used in several ways:

Brewing Tea: The most common method. Cascara is steeped in hot water to create a fragrant, amber-colored tisane with a fruity flavor. A ratio of about 15 grams of cascara to 500 ml of near-boiling water is a good starting point, steeped for 4-8 minutes.
Cold Brew: A sweeter, clearer, and less acidic version can be made by steeping cascara in cold water for an extended period, often overnight in the refrigerator.
Flavoring Agent: Cascara can be infused into syrups to add fruity notes to cocktails, mocktails, or desserts.
Cooking and Baking: Some recipes use dried cascara to add flavor to baked goods like muffins.

Comparison: Cascara (Coffee Cherry) vs. Cascara Sagrada (Tree Bark)


Feature	Cascara (Coffee Cherry)	Cascara Sagrada (Buckthorn Bark)
Source	Dried husk and pulp of the Coffea plant fruit.	Dried bark of the Rhamnus purshiana tree.
Primary Use	Brewed into a herbal tea (tisane) for consumption.	Used as a powerful laxative.
Flavor	Sweet, fruity, and floral notes (e.g., cherry, hibiscus, raisin).	Intensely bitter.
Caffeine	Contains low levels of caffeine (about 1/4 of brewed coffee).	Contains no caffeine.
Safety	Generally safe for consumption when sourced properly.	Potentially unsafe if overused; can cause liver injury and electrolyte imbalance with long-term use.
Regulation	Allowed in many countries, approval processes vary (EU approval in 2021).	FDA banned its use in over-the-counter laxatives in 2002.

Is the Edible Cascara Fruit Healthy?

Yes, the edible cascara from the coffee cherry is considered healthy and is sometimes referred to as a "superfood" due to its beneficial properties.

Rich in Antioxidants: Cascara is packed with phenolic compounds and antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation. These compounds are believed to have anti-carcinogenic properties.
Cardiovascular Health: The flavonoids found in cascara are similar to those in dark chocolate and may benefit heart health.
Brain Function: Studies suggest that cascara can support brain health and mental clarity.
Low Caffeine: It provides a gentler, more sustained energy boost compared to coffee due to its lower caffeine content, making it a good alternative for those who are sensitive to caffeine.
Digestive Aid: It can support digestive function due to its fiber content and mild stimulant properties, though it is not a laxative like cascara sagrada.

Potential Risks and Sourcing

While the coffee cherry husk is edible, sourcing is important. Because the skin is exposed to the environment, it is crucial to find organic cascara to avoid consuming residual pesticides or fungicides. Poorly dried cascara can also be susceptible to mold, so purchasing from a reputable source is recommended. As with any product containing caffeine, excessive consumption should be avoided.

Conclusion: A Sustainable and Flavorful Edible

Ultimately, the cascara from the coffee cherry is an edible fruit byproduct that offers a sustainable and flavorful alternative beverage to tea or coffee. It has been consumed for centuries in various cultures and is known for its antioxidant-rich profile and lower caffeine content. By understanding the distinction between coffee cherry cascara and cascara sagrada, and by sourcing responsibly, consumers can enjoy this once-overlooked superfood. The growing popularity of cascara not only provides a unique culinary experience but also offers an additional revenue stream for coffee farmers, making it a win-win for both consumers and producers.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, they are two completely different products. Cascara from the coffee cherry is the dried fruit husk, used primarily for tea, while cascara sagrada is the bark of a buckthorn tree, which is a potent laxative.

Cascara tea does not taste like coffee. It has a fruity and sweet flavor profile with notes often described as cherry, hibiscus, rosehip, or raisin.

Yes, cascara contains a low level of caffeine, typically about a quarter of the amount found in a regular cup of coffee. This makes it a less intense, less jittery alternative.

To prepare cascara, the dried husks are steeped in hot water, much like brewing loose-leaf tea. It can also be cold-brewed for a sweeter, smoother flavor.

Cascara is known for being rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. It's been shown to help fight inflammation, support brain health, and benefit cardiovascular function.

While the raw pulp can be sucked off the bean, it is safer to consume processed cascara, which has been properly cleaned and dried. Raw cascara is also often covered in pesticides and can spoil quickly.

Historically, cascara has been in a regulatory grey area in some regions, such as the EU. However, the European Food Safety Authority approved its consumption in 2021, and it is widely available in other markets like the US.