Cascara is the dried outer skin of the coffee cherry fruit, which is the fruit that surrounds the coffee bean. The term "cascara" comes from the Spanish word for "husk" or "skin." The outer skin of the coffee cherry is typically removed during the processing of coffee beans, but it can also be dried and used to make a tea-like beverage.
Cascara has a slightly sweet, fruity flavor with notes of raisin, cherry, and hibiscus. It is often brewed as a tea, and can be served hot or cold. Some coffee shops and specialty beverage stores offer cascara tea as a unique alternative to traditional tea or coffee.
Cascara is also sometimes used as an ingredient in other beverages, such as cocktails or smoothies, or as a flavoring agent in foods such as ice cream or chocolate. In addition to its unique taste, cascara is also a source of antioxidants and other nutrients.
It's important to note that cascara should not be confused with cascara sagrada, which is a natural laxative made from the bark of a different plant species.