Cascara Superfruit, the Spanish word for 'husk,' refers to the dried skins of coffee cherries. This once-overlooked byproduct of coffee production is now gaining recognition as a versatile and sustainable ingredient in the beverage industry. Coffee superstar Aida Batlle first popularized Cascara Superfruit, highlighting its potential beyond being just waste. Rich in antioxidants and caffiene, Cascara Superfruit is known for its health benefits and has a distinct cherry flavor, making it a unique addition to beverages or tea by its self.
environmental impact of cascara superfruit
Traditionally, Cascara Superfruit was considered waste in coffee processing, but recent trends in sustainability and zero-waste have brought it into the spotlight. During coffee processing, these "husks" are separated and often discarded, leading to an increase in landfill waste and CO2 emissions. In fact, as highlighted in my earlier blog post, 58 billion pounds of Cascara Superfruit are created as a by-product of coffee farming each year. However, only 5% of it is utilized, leaving the rest to be wasted. As it rots, it generates 14.2 million metric tons of CO2 emissions each year. This is the “equivalent to 15.6 billion pounds of coal burned or the emissions from 3 million passenger cars from an entire year” according to a 2020 paper from Oregon State University.
By upcycling Cascara Superfruit, not only do we reduce this environmental burden, but we also turn what was once waste into a valuable and sustainable resource. This practice is a shining example of how the industry can innovate and repurpose byproducts into new, marketable, and eco-friendly products.
why are we using cascara superfruit?
Cascara Superfruit's high antioxidant content makes it a healthful choice. Antioxidants are crucial for combating oxidative stress in the body, which can lead to various health issues. This high antioxidant level, coupled with a significant amount of dietary fiber, positions cascara as a beneficial ingredient in health-focused food and beverage products.
Cascara Superfruit contains a natural caffeine boost. This caffeine content is particularly appealing for those seeking a healthier alternative to traditional caffeinated beverages. Unlike synthetic caffeine, the natural caffeine found in Cascara Superfruit offers a more balanced and sustained energy boost, without the harsh peaks and crashes often associated with other caffeinated products. This makes Cascara Superfruit an excellent choice for our energy drinks, where we aim to provide a natural, steady source of energy.
Our initiative of using Cascara Superfruit in our energy drink not only adds a unique twist to the energy drink market but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability. This approach exemplifies our mission to effect positive change, one innovative sip at a time.
