Coffee Fruit: Everything You Need to Know about Coffee Cherries
For most of us, coffee is all about the bean, but there’s so much more to this beloved plant than what ends up in the cup. Coffee fruit, also known as coffee cherries, surrounds the beans we grind and brew, offering unique flavors, nutritional benefits, and sustainable uses. In this guide, we explain what coffee cherries are, discuss their uses, and share where to find quality coffee products that transcend the bean.
What are coffee cherries?
Coffee cherries are small, rounded fruits that grow on the coffee plant (genus Coffea), which is typically found in tropical regions worldwide, including parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These fruits start as green berries and, as they ripen, turn to vibrant shades of red, yellow, pink, or even purple, depending on the coffee variety.
Each cherry generally contains two coffee beans encased in a pulpy layer and a thin outer skin. The cherry’s pulp surrounds the beans, and this is where coffee plants concentrate their sugars and nutrients, making the fruit itself a source of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. Coffee cherries were traditionally discarded during processing, but recent interest in their nutritional properties has led to a rise in their use as a sustainable, health-focused ingredient.
Can you eat coffee cherries?
Yes, coffee cherries are edible, although their taste might surprise you if you’re expecting something similar to the flavor of brewed coffee. While coffee cherries are not related to traditional cherries (from the Rosaceae family, which includes fruits like plums and apricots), they belong to the Rubiaceae family, known for flowering plants. Coffee cherries are slightly sweet, with flavors often compared to watermelon or red currant. While the pulp is safe to eat, it’s somewhat fibrous and less commonly consumed fresh. Instead, the cherries are typically dried or processed for different uses.
Dried coffee cherries, known as “cascara,” have become popular for making cascara tea, a light, fruity beverage with a subtle sweetness and mild caffeine content. This drink is cherished in coffee-growing regions and has gained popularity internationally as both a hot and cold tea alternative. Cascara provides a unique way to experience the coffee plant’s flavors beyond the roasted beans in your morning coffee.
What is coffee fruit used for?
The coffee fruit has uses beyond cascara tea, with applications that capitalize on its health benefits and environmental sustainability.
-
Beverages: Apart from cascara tea, the coffee fruit is used in other beverages like energy drinks and juices due to its antioxidant content and natural caffeine. These beverages are often marketed for their energy-boosting properties, with less caffeine than coffee and more antioxidants.
-
Nutritional Supplements: Coffee fruit is rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which are known for their health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and supporting cardiovascular health. It is commonly added to supplements, powders, and health-focused snack bars for an extra nutrient boost.
-
Skin Care Products: Due to its high antioxidant content, coffee fruit extract is sometimes used in skincare products to protect against environmental damage and improve skin elasticity. The extract offers an eco-friendly alternative to other fruit-based ingredients, especially when sourced sustainably.
-
Sustainable Agriculture: Using coffee cherries, particularly in compost or as animal feed, allows coffee farmers to use every part of the harvest. This practice reduces waste and contributes to a more sustainable coffee production cycle, supporting soil health and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
-
Research: Coffee fruit is studied for potential health benefits such as weight loss, brain health, cancer treatment, mood and cognition boosts, immunity, and more. While the findings are promising, much of the research is limited to test-tube and animal studies, and further exploration is needed to confirm the effects on human health.
Shop San Francisco Bay Coffee
If you’re intrigued by the coffee fruit and want to explore the rich flavors and origins behind your brew, San Francisco Bay Coffee provides a selection of high-quality, sustainably sourced coffee beans. Our “Meet the Farmers” initiative provides a personal look at the farmers and communities who grow our coffee, fostering a closer connection between coffee lovers and the hands that cultivate each bean.
From light to dark roasts and single-origin to fun blends, the beans are curated to celebrate coffee's rich history and flavor profiles. For those looking to support sustainable practices, San Francisco Bay Coffee’s products are packaged with environmental impact in mind, making it easy to enjoy your coffee with peace of mind.
Explore our collection to experience coffee’s full potential.