Cacao Husk

What is cacao husk?

Cacao husk (also called cascarilla or cocoa husk) is the natural outer shell of the cacao bean that separates during the dehusking process after artisan roasting. At Fundo Maranatha we collect it from our own roasting process in San José de Sisa, San Martín — where each bean undergoes artisan fermentation in wooden boxes and controlled roasting before being dehusked.

Rather than discarding it, we turn the husk into a finished product. It has a smooth, aromatic roasted cacao flavour, provides theobromine naturally and is rich in antioxidants. It is a caffeine-free alternative ideal for anyone who wants a hot or cold drink with the benefits of cacao, without the intense bitterness of dark chocolate.

What is cacao husk used for?

• Making a hot cacao husk infusion: brew it like tea and steep for a few minutes
• Making a cacao cold brew: steep in cold water in the fridge for 8 hours
• Blending with cinnamon, ginger, cloves or other aromatic spices
• Combining with herbs such as mint or chamomile for compound infusions
• Adding to coffee-cacao blends for a more complex drink
• Using in baking as a natural flavouring for cakes and sauces

How to make a cacao husk infusion

The preparation is very simple. For 1 litre of water, use 2–3 tablespoons of cacao husk. Bring the water to the boil, add the husk, turn off the heat and steep for 5–10 minutes with the lid on. Strain and serve. Sweeten with honey or raw sugar if desired, or add a cinnamon stick during steeping to enhance the aroma. For the cold version, steep the husk in cold filtered water in the fridge for 8 hours.

Product characteristics

• Origin: husk of artisan-roasted cacao at Fundo Maranatha, San Martín
• No added sugar · no additives · no preservatives
• Rich in theobromine, flavonoid antioxidants and fibre
• Intense roasted cacao aroma
• Zero waste philosophy — we use every part of the artisan process
• Sizes: 500 g (S/ 8) and 1 kg (S/ 12)

Cacao husk vs conventional tea

Unlike black tea or coffee, cacao husk contains no caffeine but does contain theobromine — a cacao alkaloid with a gentler, longer-lasting stimulating effect. It has a round, roasted cacao flavour without the intense bitterness of cacao paste or dark chocolate. Perfect for afternoons or evenings without disrupting sleep. Learn more in our article on cacao husk tea: zero waste brewing.