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Herbal (tisane) · Coffee cherry tea

Cascara (Coffee Cherry Tea)

coffee cherry tea, qishr, hashara

6.8/10 editor's score

An infusion of the dried skins of the coffee fruit, originally from Yemen and Ethiopia, where similar drinks are called hashara and qishr. Unlike most herbal teas, it contains caffeine.

FruityCoffeeCaffeine
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this herbCompare

Tisane, not from Camellia sinensis. Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dried coffee cherry husks (cascara), top-down

What you need

9 g dried coffee cherry husksCascara (Coffee Cherry Tea)
325 ml water95 to 100°C
Steep 4:001 steep
InfusionRed-amber
Served inMug or cup

At a glance

An infusion of the dried skins of the coffee fruit, originally from Yemen and Ethiopia, where similar drinks are called hashara and qishr.

CaffeineMedium to high~40 to 60 mg
Beginner fit7.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestCoffee harvestHusks dried after picking.
Pairs withPastries, Fruit, HoneyLess good with milk
Grown asCoffee farmsVarious regions, Coffee-growing countries
Served inMug or cupA general choice

About Cascara (Coffee Cherry Tea)

What sources say about the taste

Sources say the coffee cherry husks have a floral aroma 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it is grown

Various regionsCoffee-growing countriesETHIOPIA
Made from
Dried coffee cherry skins and pulp 1
Traditional
Hashara and qishr, Ethiopia and Yemen 1
Caffeine
Similar to black tea 1
EU
Judged safe as a novel food by EFSA, 2022 1

More from Various regions and Ethiopia.

History and culture

Salvadoran coffee farmer Aida Batlle began making and promoting cascara around 2005 1.

By 2009 it was offered in US coffee shops 1.

Cascara may have been drunk in Yemen before coffee as we know it 1.

Editor's score

6.8/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the plant, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 6.5Origin & heritage: 7.0Availability: 6.0Value: 7.0Beginner-friendliness: 7.0Versatility: 7.5Flavour 6.5Heritage 7.0Availability 6.0Value 7.0Beginners 7.0Versatility 7.5
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Cascara (Coffee Cherry Tea)~40 to 60 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

Sources say caffeine is similar to black tea 1. The amount is our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Our general guide; harvest months vary by country. Tap a month or a season.

The plant

The dried fruit skin of the coffee plant 1.

How it is made
01Picking

Coffee cherries picked.

02Pulping

Beans removed 1.

03Drying

Skins dried, flaked or in pieces 1.

Dry herb and infusion
Dry cascaraLeathery red-brown husks.
LiquorRed-amber.
After steeping
Wet leafSoft red pieces.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Pastries
  • Fruit
  • Honey

Best avoided

  • Milk

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat and moisture.
  • Dried flowers and leaves lose aroma within about a year.
  • Buy small amounts and keep away from spices and coffee, which taint the smell.
Quality and buying

Flaked or raisin-like pieces 1.

Buying tips

  1. Region shown is an approximate area.
  2. Not the Frangula plant also called cascara 1.
FAQ
Does cascara have caffeine?

Yes. Sources say its caffeine is similar to black tea 1.

Find it inHerbal infusionsTeas from EthiopiaVarious regionsFruityCoffeeCaffeine

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Coffee cherry tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_cherry_tea
  2. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.