CASCARAH • FROM A FORBIDDEN LEFTOVER TO AN INNOVATIVE FLAVOR
At BOUCHE, innovation is at the heart of what we do. This time, we've taken inspiration from cáscara, Spanish for “husk” or “shell”, the dried husk of the coffee cherry. Just like tea leaves, these husks, when dried, can be steeped to create a truly exceptional brew: the CASCARAH Kombucha.
The result? A Kombucha that boasts a delicate caramel profile with hints of cocoa, complemented by fresh citrus notes and a subtle lavender flavor. While it doesn't taste like coffee, it certainly packs a caffeine punch.
Originating from coffee-producing regions around the world, cáscara showcases the diverse legacy and craftsmanship of coffee cultivation.
• WHO INVENTED CÁSCARA?
Aida Batlle, a visionary coffee farmer and entrepreneur, is rooted in the rich coffee heritage of El Salvador. Her family's coffee farming legacy spans four generations, tracing back to her great-great-grandfather. Aida's journey into coffee farming truly commenced in 2002 when, at the age of 28, she faced plummeting commodity coffee prices and embarked on a mission to revitalise her family's struggling coffee business.
Rejecting conventional methods, she opted for an organic approach, treating coffee cherries as the precious fruits they are. Her unconventional approach opened doors to the emerging artisanal coffee industry.
In her pursuit of innovation, Aida recognized the untapped potential of coffee cherry skins, often discarded during milling. This revelation birthed cáscara: a tea brewed from dried cherry husks. Aida's pioneering work with cáscara has not only added a new dimension to the artisanal coffee industry but has also created a sustainable secondary market for coffee farmers.
Aida Batlle's journey is not just one of farming, but a testament to the power of innovation and tradition.
• A LONG ROAD TO POPULARITY
For many years in the European Union, a food safety and regulation law put cáscara in a legal no-man's land; it wasn’t strictly prohibited, but it wasn’t officially legalized either. However, luckily for us, in June 2021, a new report from the European Food Safety Authority laid the groundwork to enable cáscara-based beverages to be sold in the EU.
• OUR CÁSCARA STRAIGHT FROM THE COFFEE FARM
Armed with this knowledge, we found a partner whose values and expertise we believed were essential for the conception of our CASCARAH Kombucha. Redefining the concept of "Direct Trade" in coffee sourcing, our partner's rigorous criteria involve bypassing intermediary steps, ensuring cáscara “directly from the farm”.
Indeed, our cáscara is certified organic, ensures fair pricing through 'Direct Trade,' and distinguishes itself as a “climate-neutral product”. For offsetting their greenhouse gas emissions, they have been awarded the 'Climate-Neutral Product' certification.
This partnership not only guarantees a direct and transparent supply chain but also supports the livelihoods of dedicated coffee producers and a premium CASCARAH flavor that encapsulates the essence of the finest coffee cherries, straight from the heart of responsible coffee farming.
Our commitment to quality and innovation shines through in every sip of our handcrafted CASCARAH Kombucha, fermented right here in our brewery.
