May’s Flavour of the Month: Cascara

In the world of flavour innovation, few ingredients check as many boxes as cascara — upcycled, culturally rich, sensory intriguing, and sustainable. This May, we’re celebrating Cascara as our Flavour of the Month and exploring why this once-overlooked ingredient is capturing the attention of food innovators around the world.

What Is Cascara?

Cascara — meaning “husk” or “peel” in Spanish — refers to the dried outer skin of the coffee cherry, the fruit that surrounds the coffee bean. When coffee is processed, the seeds (which become the beans we brew) are separated from the fruit, and the remaining skin is usually discarded. But in cascara, what was once considered waste is now a flavourful, sustainable ingredient.
 

A Flavour Worth Rediscovering

Cascara brings a unique sensory profile to the table:

• Sweet and fruity, like dried cherries or raisins
• Delicate honeyed notes, with a whisper of molasses
• A touch of warming spice, reminiscent of cinnamon or clove
• A tea-like body, smooth and mellow, with a gentle nod to its coffee origins

This flavour complexity makes cascara incredibly versatile, especially for formulators looking to bridge the worlds of coffee and tea.
 

A Tradition Rooted in Coffee Culture

While cascara might feel like a modern innovation, its use dates back centuries in traditional coffee-growing regions. In Ethiopia and Yemen, cascara (sometimes known as qishr or gesha) has long been steeped into spiced infusions, blended with ingredients like cinnamon, ginger root, and nutmeg.
 

Innovation in Progress: How We’re Using Cascara

At Nactarome, our R&D teams are unlocking cascara’s potential across a range of product categories — from tea infusions, mocktails, and cold brews to kombuchas, sauces, and syrups. Its natural sweetness and complexity make it a versatile ingredient for innovation.
We’re also exploring creative flavour pairings, including:

• Traditional Spices: Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and ginger, inspired by heritage, cascara brews.
• Floral Notes: African blossoms like hibiscus, marigold, violets, and honeysuckle.
• Forest Fruits: Raspberry, red mulberry, cranberry, and blueberry to enhance cascara’s fruity depth.
• Unexpected Twists: Rich profiles like tobacco, dark chocolate, and vanilla, even paired with our 0% whisky or rum notes.

Contact

Interested in learning more about the endless possibilities of Cascara? Contact info@nactarome.com to book a presentation or have a look through our website.