Vermont Coffee, Crocuses and Chaff

Good Morning Coffee Lovers,

Last week I talked about the importance of the maple industry here in Vermont and in our own Brown and Jenkins Vermont Maple Crème Coffee. That is just one sign that spring has finally made its way to the Green Mountains.

The crocuses are popping up and the customers are asking for my used coffee grounds. Sound strange? For me, it's a sure sign of spring.

Vermont coffee grounds on the ground

Every year at this time I get a flock of folks who want our used coffee grounds to use in their gardens. Apparently, the grounds deter both bugs and deer. However, the earth worms thrive and that helps your garden!

I sure don't mind. I've got the grounds if you've got the garden! Just another great example of connection to the earth via recycling for Vermonters.

Vermont coffee bean bags

I also get requests for the burlap coffee bean bags. Folks use them like for walkways in gardens. Other rub down horses with them, use them as bedding for birthing livestock, or just to hang on the walls. I guess even horses and livestock can appreciate a Guatemalan Antigua coffee!

Vermont coffee chaff and chickens

With the ever growing trend for raising chickens, people come in to ask for the coffee chaff to use for bedding in their coops. The chaff is the outer layer of the green coffee bean that comes off during roasting. It is light, fluffy and absorbent. The chicken coop smells like a coffee house and, I'd say, that's an added bonus.

Chaff can also be used as mulch or added to a compost pile. It's said to keep slugs and snails away while adding nutrients to your soil. Just don't over do it, as I'm told too much will block water absorption.

Drop me line here or at the Brown and Jenkins Facebook page to tell me how you reuse coffee refuse. Is it different in your neck of the woods? I can't wait to hear!

Until our next cup,
Sandy Riggen