Jamaica is known for our famed Blue Mountain coffee, considered by many to be some of the best coffee in the world.

So as part of enjoying our coffee producing heritage, we’re sharing some of the ways you can use coffee…other than drinking it of course!

* Enhance the flavour of your meat dishes by using coffee grounds as an ingredient in dry rubs. You can also brew instant coffee use it as part of a marinade for steaks.

* Freeze leftover coffee in an ice tray. You can use these as frozen treats on their own, but they really shine when used to make iced coffee since they won’t dilute your brew as they melt.

* Add coffee grounds to your compost; they contain calcium, magnesium, and nitrogen and they also grow bacteria that earthworms enjoy. If you don’t know what compost is, we have a great article that will teach you all about this environmentally-friendly practice.

* Coffee can deepen and improve the taste of any chocolate-flavoured baked goods. You can add a tablespoon or two of instant coffee to the dried ingredients in a cake or brownie mix. You could also substitute a portion of the liquid in the batter (such as milk or boiling water) with brewed coffee.

* Coffee grounds are highly acidic, and they can be used with crushed eggshells as a chemical-free fertiliser for plants that like acidic soil such as tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers.

* The caffeine in coffee tightens and provides antioxidants to the skin when applied topically which helps to reduce cellulite. Make a scrub with coffee grounds and coconut oil and massage into skin on a regular basis while in the shower.

* Coffee scent isn’t so pleasant for animals with a sharper sense of smell. Used coffee grounds can be mixed with orange peels and spread around the garden to deter unwanted animals without harming them.

* If you don’t like the idea of chemical flea repellent for your pets, then you can try rubbing coffee grounds into your dog (or cat’s) fur after bathing them. Be sure to rinse well after.

* The acidity of coffee means that it’s handy for cleaning greasy pots, pans, and BBQ grills. Pour coffee on the offending pot or grill and leave to soak to break down the grease before wiping.

Enjoy your coffee as a morning pick-me-up, or in one of these great ways.

Sources: Huffington Post, Instructables, Elle, Roasty Coffee, Food52