Cascara Brew Recipe
Alright, you've got your hands on Power Trip Cascara. Here's how to brew this fantastic cascara, coffee cherry tea.
Hot Brew (Like Tea):
Gather Your Gear:
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- Cascara (dried coffee cherry skins)
- Hot water (just off the boil, around 200-212°F or 93-100°C)
- A teapot, French press, or even just a mug with a strainer.
- A way to measure (spoon or scale).
Measure the Cascara: A good starting point is about 1-2 tablespoons of cascara per 8 ounces (240 ml) of water. You can adjust this to your taste – more cascara for a stronger flavor, less for a milder brew.
Combine and Steep:
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- Place the cascara in your teapot, French press, or mug.
- Pour the hot water over the cascara.
- Steep for 4-7 minutes. The longer you steep, the more intense the flavor will be. Start on the shorter side and taste as you go to find your sweet spot.
Strain and Enjoy:
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- If using a teapot or mug, pour the brewed cascara through a strainer to remove the fruit pieces.
- If using a French press, gently press the plunger down.
- Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy the warm, fruity goodness! Feel free to add a touch of honey or a slice of citrus if you like.
Cold Brew (Refreshing Iced Drink):
Gather Your Gear:
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- Cascara
- Cold, filtered water
- A jar or pitcher with a lid
- A strainer or cheesecloth
Combine and Chill:
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- In your jar or pitcher, combine about 1 part cascara to 10-15 parts cold water. For example, use 1/2 cup of cascara for 5-7.5 cups of water.
- Give it a gentle stir to make sure the cascara is fully submerged.
- Cover the jar or pitcher and refrigerate for 12-24 hours. The longer it steeps, the more concentrated the flavor will be.
Strain and Serve:
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- Once it's steeped to your liking, strain the cascara mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or a cheesecloth-lined strainer to remove all the fruit solids.
- Serve over ice and enjoy! You can add a squeeze of lime or lemon, or even some fresh fruit for extra refreshment, especially on a warm Nashua day.
Tips for Brewing Success:
- Water Quality Matters: Just like with tea and coffee, using good quality water will make a big difference in the final taste. Filtered water is always a good choice.
- Experiment! Don't be afraid to play around with the amount of cascara and the steeping time to find what you like best.
- Storage: Store your dried cascara in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness.
Happy brewing and enjoy your delicious cascara!