Cascara Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cascara

[kas-หˆkar-ษ™ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

coffee processing

Cascara is the dried husk or outer shell of the coffee cherry. It is often used to make tea-like beverages and is known for its fruity flavor and high antioxidant content.

Synonyms

coffee cherry skin, coffee husk.

Examples of usage

  • I brewed a cup of cascara tea this morning.
  • Cascara is becoming popular in specialty coffee shops.
  • You can find cascara in many health food stores now.
  • The cascara drink has a unique and refreshing taste.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • It can be brewed as a tea, offering a unique flavor that is often sweet and slightly tangy, differing from traditional coffee.
  • Cascara is popular in specialty cafes, where itโ€™s served hot or cold, sometimes mixed with spices or citrus for added flavor.

Health Benefits

  • Rich in antioxidants, cascara may help promote digestive health and provides a gentle energy boost without the jitters of coffee.
  • It's also known to be high in dietary fiber, which can support gut health.

Cultural Significance

  • In Yemen, itโ€™s traditionally consumed as 'qishr,' a drink made from coffee husks spiced with cinnamon and often served to guests.
  • Cascara has been part of the coffee culture in various regions, transforming what was once waste into a flavorful beverage.

Environmental Impact

  • Using coffee cherry skins for beverages can help reduce waste in coffee production, making it a sustainable choice.
  • It exemplifies how food systems can innovate by finding uses for by-products that would otherwise be discarded.

Origin of 'cascara'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the Spanish word 'cรกscara,' meaning 'husk' or 'peel,' referring to the outer layer of the coffee cherry.
  • Cascara has been consumed for centuries, with its use dating back to coffee cultivation regions of Ethiopia.

The word 'cascara' comes from the Spanish language, meaning 'husk' or 'shell'. It is derived from the Latin word 'cascara', which is related to 'cask', referring to the exterior structure or casing of something. The use of cascara in coffee has its roots in regions where coffee is cultivated, particularly in Latin America. Traditionally, the husk of the coffee cherry was discarded after the beans were extracted, but over time, people began to recognize its potential as a beverage. The health benefits of cascara, along with its unique taste, have led to a resurgence in its popularity in recent years, especially among those looking for caffeine alternatives. As the coffee industry evolves, cascara is seen not just as a byproduct but as a valued component that enhances coffee culture.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,048, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.