Coffee cherries are the fruit of the coffee plant. These small, rounded fruits enclose the coffee beans that are typically processed for brewing. As they mature, coffee cherries transform from green to vibrant shades of red, yellow, pink, or even purple, depending on the specific coffee variety.
The Edibility of Coffee Cherries
Coffee cherries are edible. Their outer layers, including the skin and pulp, can be consumed. While the raw coffee beans inside are typically processed for brewing, the fruit itself offers a unique taste experience, distinct from brewed coffee.
Coffee cherries have a thin layer of sweet mucilage, which is the flavorful, sugary part. The outer skin can be somewhat tough or leathery, and the pulp often sticks to the inner beans.
Flavor and Nutritional Aspects
The flavor profile of coffee cherries is sweet, with notes comparable to other fruits. Some describe the taste as a mix of watermelon or red currant, while others note hints of raspberry, cherry, or even hibiscus. The fruit can also have tangy notes, sometimes resembling citrus or stone fruits.
Beyond their unique taste, coffee cherries offer nutritional benefits. They are a source of antioxidants, including polyphenols, which can help protect the body from free radical damage. The fruit also contains vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. Some studies suggest that coffee fruit can contribute to cognitive health and immune system support due to these compounds.
Common Uses of Coffee Cherries
Coffee cherries are used in various forms. A popular product is cascara, the dried skin and pulp of the coffee cherry. It is commonly used to make a tea-like beverage, often called coffee cherry tea, known for its fruity and sweet notes, prepared by steeping the dried cascara in hot water.
The fruit is also processed into other products. Coffee cherry flour is made from the dried pulp and can be used as a seasoning or incorporated into baked goods. Extracts are found in beverages like energy drinks and juices due to their antioxidant content, and also in nutritional supplements and skincare products. Culinary applications include using fresh coffee cherries in smoothies, desserts, or jams.
Important Considerations
Consider the caffeine content when consuming coffee cherries or their products. While the fruit contains caffeine, levels are lower than in brewed coffee; cascara tea, for example, has about 25% of the caffeine in a regular cup, comparable to black or green tea.
Potential pesticide residues are another consideration. Conventional coffee farming uses pesticides, which can be present on the cherries. Choosing organic coffee cherries or products can help mitigate concerns about such residues. Proper processing of coffee cherries is also important, as it helps prevent issues like mold development, especially when drying the fruit for products like cascara.