Americans consume 400 million cups of coffee per day, making the United States the leading consumer of coffee in the world. There are plenty of used coffee grounds out there that are most likely getting dumped directly into the trash. The next time you’re making coffee, consider some of the following useful options for putting those grounds to good use!

1. Fertilize Your Garden

Coffee grounds contain essential nutrients that help drainage, water preservation and ventilation in the soil of your garden. To use coffee grounds as a fertilizer, sprinkle them thinly onto the soil or add them to your compost pile. Spreading coffee grounds throughout your garden will also attract insects, such as, worms. Worms provide tons of nutrients to help your garden grow and thrive. 

2. Exfoliating Scrub

A coffee exfoliant scrub will help smooth and soften the skin naturally. Coffee grounds are filled with antioxidants, which help rejuvenate your skin and protect it from any future damages. Create an exfoliating scrub at home using these 3 simple ingredients: coffee grounds, brown sugar and coconut oil. 

3. Flavor Enhancer

Get creative with your meals! Coffee grounds can help add depth to all types of dishes. Ideally, you can add coffee grounds into any type of meal. Whether you are making breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert, coffee grounds will surely spice up your plate. A few meals you can try adding coffee grounds to are cookies, steak marinades or granola. Enjoy!

4. Insect Repellent

Most bugs have a very strong sense of smell. Since coffee grounds are very potent, it's a perfect repellent to fight off those pests. According to the EPA, coffee grounds are most potent when they are burned. All you need to do is place the coffee grounds in a bowl on a flat surface outside, and burn the grounds like you would incense.

5. Eliminate Odors

Since coffee grounds radiate such a strong odor, they are often used to neutralize other strong smells. Coffee grounds can be used like baking soda to absorb odors in all types of areas, such as, a refrigerator, garbage disposal, freezer or trash can. Deodorize these spaces by placing the coffee grounds in a dish, or sprinkling the grounds throughout the area. 

6. Scour Your Pans

Clean you pots like new with coffee grounds! Grounds naturally have a rough texture that make them ideal for scrubbing hard to clean kitchen appliances. All you need to do is spread coffee grounds directly onto your pots and pans and clean as usual. Remember to give your appliances a good rinse afterwards. 

7. Remove scratches on Furniture

With only a small amount of coffee grounds, any scratches on your wooden furniture can be removed! To easily remove scuffs, apply used coffee grounds to the scratch with a Q-tip. Allow the grounds to sit for ten minutes, and finally remove the grounds using a clean cotton rag. This inexpensive hack should help make your furniture look brand new again! 

8. Make your hair healthy

Cleaning your hair with coffee grounds will improve its overall health. The rough texture of the grounds will exfoliate your scalp, and stimulate your hair follicles. Working coffee grounds throughout your scalp will help remove hair product buildup, prompt hair growth and give your hair a sleek and shiny appearance. If you are interested in making a coffee hair scrub a part of your every day grooming routine, add grounds to your shampoo or conditioner. 

9. Use as a Natural Dye

A simple way you can get started dying fabrics at home is by using ingredients you most likely already have - coffee grounds. Coffee grounds are a great non-toxic alternative to traditional dyes. A few examples of items you can dye are yarn, Easter eggs, your hair, clothing, towels and much more!

10. Coffee Candles

Grab almost anyone’s attention with the intoxicating smell of a coffee candle! Create your DIY candle using four simple supplies: coffee grounds, wax, candle wick, and a container of your choosing. This simple coffee scented candle makes a perfect gift for your friends and family who just can't get enough of that fresh coffee smell. 

Coffee Health Benefits

When people think of coffee, they usually think of its ability to provide an energy boost. However, drinking coffee actually contributes to improving a person’s health. If you’re a coffee lover, you can now feel a little less bad about spending $4 on a latte every day. Check out the list below to see some of the important health benefits you are getting from your daily cup of joe:

• Protection against type 2 diabetes
• Lowers risks of Alzheimer’s disease
• Improves your heart health
• Protection from liver diseases
• Prevents cavities
• Increases your fiber intake
• Lowers risks of Dementia

How Much Coffee is Too Much?

There are countless health benefits from drinking coffee, but too much caffeine can be damaging. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggests that drinking six or more cups of coffee per day can have negative effects on your body. Drinking too many cups of coffee can leave you with an upset stomach, restlessness, insomnia, nervousness, nausea, and other side effects.

Forklift & Palates menu kicks off with a selection of breakfast items you can feast on for a strong start to the day. Choose from American classics such as omelets, pancakes, and waffles. To view our menu, click the link below.