Coffee peels: What they are and what makes them so popular
It is very likely that in recent times you have heard about the coffee husks. The same ones that were discarded in the past, because they did not find a place for them, in the world of the specialty. And now, the story has taken a 90-degree turn, since, in addition to being a popular product, it also works as a base for countless drinks.
More and more people are investigating various processing techniques. As well as discovering its properties, preparation methods, mixtures, varieties, to name a few. In short, it has become an indispensable product within the coffee growing industry. Of course, this without leaving aside everyone's favorite, coffee.
If you have reached this point, it is because you are curious to know more about coffee peels. Starting with what they really mean and what they have seen in them to make them so popular, not only in specialty coffee shops, but also in various parts of the world.
Know its history
Although some think that this is a novelty, what they don't know is that it all started many years ago in Yemen and Bolivia. However, it is something completely new in the Western world.
If we have to thank someone, for giving value to the shells it would be Aida Betlle. She, more than a decade ago, after discovering her strong floral smell, while walking near where they had them exposed to the sun, when he realized what it was, he made the decision to taste them.
To do this, the Salvadoran woman, who owns a farm in her native country, proceeded to collect them and immerse them in hot water, resulting in a drink with a peculiar but pleasant flavor. When faced with that treasure, he immediately decides to share it with his most adventurous roasters.
What are coffee peels?
Coffee husks are nothing more than the dried husk that covers the coffee fruit. They are characterized by containing low levels of caffeine, while their flavor turns out to be more intense than that of grains. This is going great for producers, consumers and even for the planet, because it is 100% waste-free and also has incredible properties.
But what happens when it is not used to make an infusion? Well, the good thing is that they do not end up in the landfill, but rather, they find another use for it and that is to function as fertilizer. They are also discarded, in waterwaysAlthough they do this thinking that they will not affect the waterways, the reality is that they end up dirtying these rivers in a certain way. Because it is not part of a conservation technique. But in the face of high levels of coffee production, husk waste becomes an inefficiency in agriculture.
In relation to its flavor, in addition to being quite intense, it turns out to be exquisite. Among its benefits, it stands out for being an excellent antioxidant. In short, coffee growers see in the coffee husks, a new and interesting way to generate extra income.
What is the most difficult thing to be able to market it? Convince the public that it is a quality, natural, contaminant-free and delicious product. The important thing is to highlight all its positive aspects, so that the first impression is more than correct. Getting it may be quite a challenge, but it will never cease to be one of the most sustainable options derived from coffee.
Are cascara and coffee completely different?
Although husk is a byproduct of coffee, both are completely different. This is because the notes we detect in an infusion made from peels are very different from those we find in a cup of coffee.
Let's explain it better. In the husks we get fruity flavors. There are those who compare its flavor to that of red fruits. While the coffee can vary, since sometimes we get cups with chocolate notes, others citrus and others floral.
What benefits does it provide?
Although it is becoming one of the most consumed products, its extensive list of benefits continues to be investigated. But this does not mean that we still do not know some, in fact, as we detailed a few paragraphs above, coffee peels are an excellent load of antioxidants for our body.
As it comes from the same coffee plant, and covers the fruit of said plant, it can be said that its properties are similar to those of coffee. That is, it is an ally when it comes to losing weight, preventing neurodegenerative diseases, reducing the risk of suffering from diabetes, and containing essential nutrients, to name a few.
If you are one of those looking for decaffeinated coffee, the peels can be the perfect substitute due to their low levels of caffeine.
How are coffee peels consumed?
In countries like Yemen, Ethiopia and Bolivia, the drink made from coffee peel is quite common. Surely you will wonder, is it prepared the same in each country? The answer is no, since each region has a different way of consuming it.
For example in Yemen, specifically in Qishr, husk is often mixed with a lot of sugar and ginger. On some occasions they even add cinnamon. They are quite popular, because they turn out to be very economical. In Ethiopia, they have a different way of preparing them, since they proceed to lightly toast a part of the outside of the cherry. Which later takes on a deep crimson hue, approaching black. They mix the ingredients (water and husk) in equal parts, resulting in a dark drink with a very subtle flavor.
In Latin America, the drink extracted from the peels provides a fruity flavor, which leaves a pleasant sensation in the mouth. In fact, they sometimes call it the poor man's cafe. We are going to move to Bolivia, where this preparation is known as Sultana tea, whose preparation is based on lightly toasting part of the husk. They usually mix it with sugar and essences such as cinnamon.
Prepare your own peels at home
If you have reached this point, it is because you want to learn how to prepare this delicious and healthy drink, without leaving home. So shortly we will tell you how to do it in the simplest and fastest way.
The first thing we must do is add at least 11 grams of coffee peels in a cup. Then pour 350 ml of boiling water. You can also add a little cinnamon to your infusion, to give it a special touch. Finally, let the drink rest for approximately 4 minutes, and remove the remains of the peels (this is optional) and voila, the time has come to enjoy this wonderful drink.
As you will see, coffee and its derivatives will continue to be incredible products not only for our health, but also for the environment.
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