Used coffee grounds


Used coffee grounds is the result of brewing coffee, and are the final product after preparation of coffee. Used coffee grounds are generally regarded as waste, and is usually thrown away or composted. In the late 19th century, used coffee grounds were used to adulterate pure coffee.

Usage

In gardens

In gardens, coffee grounds may be used for composting or as a mulch as they are known to slowly release nitrogen into the soil. The dry coffee grounds contain significant amounts of potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. They are especially appreciated by worms and acid-loving plants such as blueberries, although due to acids being leached from the grounds while in use, they typically have a neutral pH. Used coffee grounds are particularly noted as a soil amendment. Gardeners have reported the use of used coffee grounds as a slug and snail repellent, but this has not yet been scientifically tested. Some commercial coffee shops run initiatives to prevent the grounds from going to waste, including Starbucks' "Grounds for your Garden" project, and community sponsored initiatives exist, such as "Ground to Ground" or the 'Green Coffee Shop Scheme' in Cambridgeshire, UK.

Use in fortune telling

In divination and fortune-telling the patterns of coffee grounds are used for predictions.

Other uses

Initiatives have succeeded using coffee grounds as a substrate for the cultivation of mushrooms. Used coffee grounds have other homemade uses in wood staining, air fresheners, and body soap scrubs. They may also be used industrially in biogas production or to treat wastewater.