We all love brewing coffee, but sometimes we end up with so much coffee a bit past its prime. Instead of tossing them out, there are plenty of creative and environmentally friendly ways to repurpose old coffee beans and grounds.
So, I'm here to share some brilliant ideas on what to do with old coffee beans that'll have you thinking twice before chucking them in the bin.
Key Takeaways
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Old coffee grounds and beans are versatile and can be repurposed in various ways to reduce waste.
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You can use old coffee beans in your garden, as a natural deodoriser, in homemade beauty products, and even as a cleaning scrub in the kitchen.
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These old coffee grounds hacks help the environment, save money and add a personal touch to your everyday items.
1. Composting
Alright, green thumbs, listen up! Those old coffee beans and grounds are absolute gold for your compost pile. Coffee is rich in nitrogen, which is a key nutrient for plant growth.
Simply toss your old beans or grounds into your compost bin or pile. This organic matter breaks down and enriches the soil, promoting healthy plant growth and reducing kitchen waste.
Pro tip: If you're using whole beans, grind coffee beans first to speed up the decomposition process. Your compost will be more nutrient-dense than a flat white with an extra shot!
2. Coffee Bean Scrubs
Beauty buffs, this one's for you! Those old coffee grounds make for an excellent exfoliating scrub that'll leave your skin feeling smoother than a well-pulled shot of espresso. Here's a quick recipe for a DIY coffee scrub:
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1/2 cup ground coffee
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1/2 cup coconut oil
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1/4 cup sugar
Mix it all, and you've got yourself a beauty/body scrub that smells good enough to drink! The caffeine in the coffee can help reduce puffiness, while the grounds work as a natural exfoliant. It's like a morning cup for your skin!
You can even use it as a cleaning scrub for tough stains around the house.
3. Natural Deodoriser
Got a weird smell in your fridge that just won't budge? Coffee beans to the rescue! The natural acids in coffee make it a top-notch odour absorber.
Place a bowl of used coffee grounds in your fridge to soak up those nasty smells. You can even put them in a glass jar and leave them in areas prone to odours, like the bathroom or pantry. It’s an easy and natural way to keep your home smelling fresh.
You can also use coffee grounds to deodorise your hands after chopping onions or garlic. Just rub some ground coffee between your palms and rinse with cold water.
4. Garden Fertiliser
If you're not into composting but still want to give your garden a boost, sprinkle coffee grounds directly onto your soil. It's like a shot of espresso for your plants! Coffee grounds are one of the best natural fertilisers out there, packed with nitrogen, potassium, and other nutrients that'll have your plants thriving.
Just remember, a little goes a long way. Don't go overboard, or you might end up with soil that's more acidic than a batch of cold brew left in the sun for a couple of hours!
5. Pest/Insect Repellant
Did you know that coffee can be used to repel insects and other garden pests? Sprinkle a line of coffee grounds around your plants or along your home's foundation to create a barrier that many creepy crawlies won't cross.
It's especially effective against slugs and snails – they'll avoid coffee grounds like a vegan avoids a meat pie! Plus, it's a much more environmentally friendly option than harsh chemical pesticides.
6. Decorative Uses
Get your creative juices flowing with some coffee bean art! Use old beans to create mosaics, fill glass jars for decorative displays, or even make jewellery. It's a great way to reduce waste and add a touch of café chic to your home decor.
If you're a specialty coffee fan with a collection of single-origin coffees, why not show them off? Fill different glass jars with beans from various origins, creating a rainbow of coffee colours. It's a great way to add some character to your kitchen or home office.
Bonus Tip: While we're on the topic of old beans, let's have a yarn about coffee bean storage. To keep your roasted beans fresh for longer, store beans in an airtight container away from heat, light, and moisture. A cool, dark cupboard is your best bet. And remember a whole bean last longer than ground coffee, so only grind what you need.
7. Old Coffee Bean Recipes
Just because those beans are past their prime for brewing doesn't mean they can't add a kick to your cooking! Grind them up and use them as a flavour enhancer in baked goods or savoury dishes. Here are a couple of great ideas:
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Chocolate-covered espresso beans: Dip your espresso beans in melted chocolate and let them set.
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Baking: Add a bit of coffee to chocolate cake or brownies to intensify the chocolate flavour.
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Coffee-rubbed steak: Mix ground coffee with your favourite spices for a dry rub that'll take your barbecue to the next level.
8. Meat Rubs
Speaking of coffee-rubbed steak, let's dive deeper into using coffee as a meat rub. The natural acids in coffee help tenderise the meat, while the rich flavour adds depth to your food. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:
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2 tablespoons ground coffee
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
Mix it all together and rub it on your favourite cut of meat before cooking. This works particularly well for beef and pork.
9. Coffee Bean Drinks
Even when your coffee beans are getting on a bit, there's still hope for a decent brew. Here are some top-notch ways to use old coffee in drinks that'll have you bouncing off the walls:
Cold Brew Bonanza
Old coffee beans are perfect for cold brew. Chuck your old coffee beans in a glass jar with cold water, using a coarser grind size than you would for hot coffee. Let it sit in the fridge for 12-24 hours, then strain out the used coffee grounds. You'll end up with a smooth, less acidic brew that's perfect for those scorching summer arvos.
Iced Coffee with a Twist
Here's a pearler of an idea: brew up a batch of coffee with your old beans, pour it into ice cube trays, and freeze. Next time you're having an iced coffee, use these coffee ice cubes instead of regular ice. No more watered-down drinks! Plus, as the cubes melt, your coffee gets stronger. It's like magic in a glass!
Chocolate-Covered Coffee Bean Frappe
Feeling a bit fancy? Try this: melt chocolate and coat some of your old coffee beans. Once they've set, chuck them in a blender with milk, ice, and a shot of brewed coffee from the same beans. Blitz it all up, and you've got yourself a crunchy, caffeinated treat that'll wake you up faster than a kangaroo on a hot tin roof.
Lazy Sunday Mocha
For those days when you can't be bothered going all out, here's a simple trick. Brew your coffee as usual with the old beans, then add a spoonful of cocoa powder and a dash of milk. It's not quite a café mocha, but it'll do the job when you're in a pinch.
Coffee Bean-Infused Water
For a subtle coffee kick without the full-on caffeine hit, try this: Chuck a handful of whole coffee beans in a jug of water and let it sit in the fridge overnight. The result is a lightly coffee-flavoured water that's refreshing and just a little bit buzzy.
Remember, cobbers, the grind size matters when you're brewing coffee. For cold brew, go for a coarser grind. For hot water brewing methods like pour-over or French press, a medium grind usually does the trick. And if you're using an espresso machine, you'll want a fine grind.
10. Organic Dye
Last but not least, coffee makes for a bonza natural dye. It's perfect for giving fabric, paper, or even Easter eggs a vintage, earthy look. To make a simple dye:
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Brew a strong pot of coffee using your old beans.
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Let it cool, then strain out any grounds.
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Soak your item in the coffee for a couple of hours or overnight for a deeper colour.
It's a great way to breathe new life into old clothes or create unique, naturally dyed craft projects.
Summary
Old coffee beans don't have to go to waste. With a bit of creativity, you can repurpose them in countless fun ways around your home and yard. From sprucing up your backyard to jazzing up your cooking, these ideas prove that even past-their-prime beans have plenty of life left in them.
It's all about thinking outside the box (or should I say, outside the coffee bag?).
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with outdated coffee beans?
The possibilities are endless! Compost them, use them for crafts, make body scrubs, or try one of the other ideas we've covered. Just because they're not great for brewing doesn't mean you have to throw them away.
What to do with leftover coffee beans?
If they're still fresh enough, grind them up for cold brew or iced coffee. If they're older, you can use old coffee beans as scrubs, meat rubs, flavour enhancers, and fertilisers.
Can I put whole coffee beans in my garden?
Yes, but they'll take longer to break down. For best results, give them a quick grind before adding them to your soil or compost.
Are 2-year-old coffee beans still good?
For drinking? Probably not. While these so old coffee beans may not be ideal for brewing a fresh cup of coffee, they can still be repurposed for various household uses like composting, crafting, and making beauty products.