Coffee Cascara: Ancient Yemeni Heritage Reshaping Coffee Culture
Recently, cascara coffee has been gaining increasing attention, especially in European and American countries, where its origins, benefits, and preparation methods are being explored. Although some claims attribute the invention of cascara coffee to specific countries or baristas, the truth reveals a completely different story.
Cascara coffee is nothing but coffee cherry husks, an ancient innovation dating back thousands of years to Yemen, where Yemenis have used it and continue to trade it in local markets to this day. Coffee cherry husks have also been used in some coffee-producing countries like Ethiopia and Bolivia.
It can be said that coffee cherry husks are an integral part of Yemenis’ lives, as it is considered the favorite drink for various occasions. Yemenis used coffee cherry husks to prepare their daily coffee, while they used coffee beans for morning coffee only.
In the past, Yemenis would separate coffee cherry husks and consume them locally in the production of the finest coffee varieties, exporting coffee beans to the world. Today, coffee cherry husks can be found in various markets in Yemen, where traders compete to sell them, and their quality varies depending on their types.
Cascara coffee is distinguished by its enchanting preparation method and unique taste, where coffee cherry husks are gently boiled and ginger or cinnamon is added to enhance the flavor, and the drink is sweetened with sugar or consumed without it.
Yemenis discovered the benefits of coffee cherry husks since ancient times. It has been and still is used as a preferred product for women during the first month after childbirth. It was also used by farmers in Yemen before heading to their farms, where it helped them face the scarcity of drinking water in the farms where they worked for long periods under the hot sun. Coffee cherry husks would sustain them, reduce thirst, and the need for water.
Additionally, it is believed that coffee cherry husks help in fat loss, improve digestion, and strengthen the immune system.
Although cascara drink is considered new in American and European markets, it has been a staple drink in Yemen, Ethiopia, and Bolivia for many centuries. Recently, coffee producers have started using coffee cherry husks to produce this unique drink, which can be served hot or cold.
Certainly, cascara or coffee cherry husk drink revives the traditions of authentic Yemeni coffee and offers coffee lovers an unforgettable experience.
Cascara coffee carries with it a rich history and culture, blending its unique flavor with the authentic Yemeni coffee traditions to provide an exceptional experience for coffee lovers around the world.
With the increasing interest in cascara coffee and its preference by coffee lovers, we can expect to see more traders and baristas adopting this unique drink and offering it on their menus, making it an integral part of the diverse global coffee culture.
