Panama Varietals in conjunction with Cascara Genuss (transl. Cascara Pure Enjoyment) completed the first of a series of studies on the nutritional characteristics of naturally processed cascara, the dried skin of the coffee cherry.

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Revealing high levels of antioxidants and other nutrients, the superfood status of Cascara is confirmed yet again and all of the indicators are supporting the story of the potential health benefits of Cascara.

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The antioxidant story of cascara is one of the most exciting indicators of the potential health benefits of the dried coffee fruit.  The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) value of cascara in this analysis was 22,070 µmol TE/100g approximately 4 times the ORAC value of blueberries and similar values to chili powder, dark chocolate, and Goji berries (compared to data sourced from the USDA).  But the ORAC value is just an indicator and door opener into the complete nutritional story of Cascara. Cascara contains a good balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Cascara also contains high levels of protein with 6g/100g, about the same amount of protein found in 1 egg and similar protein levels to that of soy milk and quinoa.  Vitamin E and Biotin levels were 50% of the recommended daily intake per 100g.  The caffeine content of the Cascara studied was 202 mg/100g in the raw form, a similar level to that of powdered cocoa and about 20% the level of roasted coffee beans

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“Our results were in-line with other studies of cascara, but we felt it was important to support new research as specific information was limited.  We wanted to complete the story behind what we are promoting, selling and drinking every day, as well to support further product development” says Joel Jelderks who works on business development for Panama Varietals.

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This was the first in a series of analyses where the nutritional characteristics of naturally processed Arabica cascara, sourced from a variety of regions,  is being analyzed by European certified food labs.  Research and data is also being collected and cross-compared analyzing varieties, regions, growing conditions, and processing methods.  Panama Varietals and Cascara Genuss will continue to research cascara and its nutritional contents, diving deeper into its antioxidant characteristics with additional studies on the polyphenol and carotenoid levels.  All of the research will be made available to support clients who wish to grow their business with cascara and academia.