7 Brilliant Uses for Coffee Grounds

Deodorize, Enhance Aroma, Repel Pests, and Even Serve as Compost

Nespresso x NTU Collaboration: Turning Grounds into Gold

A recent research partnership between Nespresso and the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at National Taiwan University (NTU) launched in 2019 under the project titled “Full Coffee Utilization Research: Applying Coffee Grounds in Organic Farming.” After a year of study, researchers discovered that compost made from coffee grounds can significantly boost plant growth—one test showed a 22% increase in vegetable weight, effectively transforming what was once “waste” into valuable resources.

Coffee Grounds in Organic Farming

According to Professor Chen You-Ren of NTU’s Horticulture Department, coffee beans are essentially the fruit of the coffee plant and thus contain a wealth of nutrients. Effectively repurposing coffee grounds to grow crops can help deter pests and produce healthier, more vibrant harvests—an ideal solution for organic farmers. For instance, when using a potting mix containing 2% coffee grounds to grow bok choy, researchers observed a 13% increase in leaf length and a 22% increase in overall weight.

Pest Control and Improved Crop Quality

The study also revealed that a simple mixture of coffee grounds, compost tea, and water can be sprayed onto vegetables to reduce insect damage, resulting in produce with fewer blemishes. Additionally, applying compost made from 40% coffee grounds and 60% rice husks significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of red-leaf lettuce.

Everyday Household Applications

Coffee grounds aren’t just for farming—they’re also highly practical in daily life. Household expert Chen Ying-Ru shares several tips:

1.     Odor Removal:

• De-grease Cookware: Place coffee grounds in a pan and heat gently over low heat for a few minutes to eliminate oily smells.
• DIY Coffee Soap: Soften a bar of soap with a little water, mix in coffee grounds, then let it dry. This creates an exfoliating, deodorizing soap.

2.     Moisture Absorption:

• Damp Corners: Put coffee grounds in areas prone to dampness—like refrigerators, shoe cabinets, or bathrooms—to help absorb moisture and reduce odors.

3.     Aroma Enhancement:

• Homemade Coffee Incense: Dry your used coffee grounds, place them in an aromatherapy burner or oil warmer, and light a small candle underneath. You’ll enjoy a gentle coffee fragrance wafting through the air.

Coffee grounds are versatile, eco-friendly, and nutrient-rich. Whether you’re an organic farmer looking for a natural fertilizer or a homeowner seeking to deodorize and add a pleasant aroma, repurposing coffee grounds is an easy and effective solution.