More than 70% of people drink coffee every day in the United States. From homebrewing coffee equipment to visiting coffee shops, one of America’s favorite beverages is coffee. No matter how you get your coffee, the expectation is that it is always fresh. However, as coffee beans age, they inevitably lose their freshness and flavor. The fragrant aroma they had prior is not what it once was. This can impact the flavor and quality of your morning cup of joe. So, what should you do with old coffee beans?
What Should You Do with Old Coffee Beans?
If you notice that your coffee beans have lost their luster, avoid throwing them out. There are so many different ways you can repurpose them and avoid waste. Consider the following ideas you can do with your old coffee beans.
Combine Your Beans
If your coffee beans haven’t expired, you can blend them with new beans. Mix old and new beans at a 1:2 ratio. Doubling the amount of new beans ensures that your coffee still tastes great. It also allows you to use the beans without having to deal with stale coffee. The new beans will provide enough freshness to ensure your coffee still tastes great. Usually, new beans with added flavor components are the best option. Another alternative is to use old beans in cold brew. This brewing method works fine with older beans.
Add To Your Compost Bin
If you are a gardener, old coffee beans are a great addition to your compost. Even old coffee beans are high in nitrogen. This is a key nutrient for healthy soil that can work wonders in your garden. Avoid throwing old beans into the compost, as they should be prepared beforehand. Grind your coffee beans and mix them with other materials in your compost for balance. This is a great eco-friendly solution that offers so many benefits.
Make Coffee-Infused Foods
Adding coffee to other foods can add so much flavor and dimension. This is true even if your coffee beans are old and lackluster. Old coffee beans are a great addition to so many different baked goods. Cake, muffins, and other types of pastries are easily elevated with the deep flavor coffee beans provide. However, they can also be used to create coffee–infused syrups for desserts or drinks. They can even be used in alcohol to make tasty liquors.
Create Air Fresheners
Even old coffee beans offer aromatic freshness. The oils in coffee beans can freshen the air in any space. You can easily make sachets filled with coffee beans. These can be placed in drawers or closets to freshen up stale areas. Some people even add the sachets to their shoes to combat foot odor. Another great place for old coffee beans is the refrigerator. If you have a large family or work in an office, deodorizing the kitchen is a must. This is a great way to repurpose old coffee beans and avoid harsh chemicals in regular air fresheners.
Create Skincare Products
Old coffee beans still have properties that are beneficial. Repurposing them into skincare products is a great way to avoid waste. You can easily make exfoliating scrubs for your body. The antioxidant and exfoliating properties make old coffee beans a great skincare product. You can mix them with coconut oil or honey. It will leave your skin so much smoother. Some even report that it reduces the appearance of cellulite.
Beverage Systems
If you are considering adding coffee equipment or other beverage systems to your restaurant, contact the team at SC Beverage today for more information!
