To prepare cascara tea, also known as coffee cherry tea, follow these steps:
Gather Ingredients:
Main ingredient: Dried cascara (coffee cherry husks)
Water for brewing
Optional: Sweeteners such as honey, sugar, or syrups for added taste.
Measure Cascara:
For each 8-ounce (240 ml) serving of water, use 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried cascara, adjusting the quantity for a milder or stronger brew.
Prepare Water:
Heat water to just below boiling, around 200-205°F (93-96°C), for optimal extraction of flavor.
Rinse Cascara:
Briefly rinse the dried cascara under cold water to clean off any dust or impurities.
Steeping the Cascara:
Place the rinsed cascara in your brewing vessel (teapot, French press, etc.).
Pour the hot water over the cascara, making sure it’s fully submerged.
Brew Time:
Let the cascara steep for 5-7 minutes, or adjust the steeping time to your preferred flavor strength.
Strain the Tea:
Once brewed, strain the cascara tea to separate the liquid from the husks. Use a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or tea infuser for best results.
Sweeten (Optional):
Add your preferred sweetener, such as honey or sugar, and stir until fully dissolved.
Serve:
Pour the strained tea into cups or mugs for serving.
Enjoy:
Enjoy your cascara tea either hot or cold. For a chilled version, serve over ice for a refreshing twist.