Not sure what to do with your coffee beans? Check out these 5 creative ideas!
Have you just bought some coffee beans but aren’t sure what to do with them? If so, don’t worry! There are lots of different ways you can use those beans to spice up your food or drinks and make your meals more interesting. These five ideas should help you get started with using up your coffee beans in new ways!
1) Coffee bean body scrub
Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which can be beneficial for the skin. So why not mix a little bit of that delicious brew into some sugar or salt and scrub it all over your body? If you want an extra caffeine boost, add a few drops of espresso extract as well. Not only will it make you smell better, but the caffeine will help wake you up too!
2) Coffee bean moisturizer
Use the leftover coffee grounds in a soothing moisturizer. Mix 1 tablespoon of finely ground, dried coffee grounds and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small bowl. Add just enough water to form a paste. Apply the paste to your face and neck, avoiding eye area. Let it set for 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. The caffeine will help tighten pores and the antioxidants will protect against free radicals that cause premature ageing.
3) Coffee grounds carpet deodorizer
Coffee grounds can have many uses around the house. For one, they are great for getting rid of pesky odours. Coffee grounds have been used as carpet deodorizers for years and the smell is pretty hard to beat. Just sprinkle the grounds on your rug, let them sit for a few hours (or overnight), and vacuum them up.
4) Homemade toothpaste
Mix equal parts of baking soda and coconut oil. Add a few drops of peppermint extract if desired. Mix until it becomes a paste and then add drops of water as needed. This toothpaste is a natural alternative that will not irritate sensitive teeth or gums. Plus, it’s cheaper than buying commercial products at the store!
5) Roasted, ground coffee in cooking
Coffee is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in many ways. You can use ground or whole beans, depending on the dish you’re making. The most obvious way to use coffee is as a flavour enhancer in cooking.
Coffee syrup: Combine 1/4 cup of ground, dark-roasted coffee with 2 cups of water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Stir in 1/2 cup sugar and boil for one minute. Allow the mixture to cool, then pour it into ice cube trays or small silicone moulds. Freeze until solid, then pop them out and store them in freezer bags.
