Chilton Manor Farm: Returning Coffee Chaff Back to Nature
At Moon Roast, we love every part of the coffee bean, even the part that often goes overlooked: coffee chaff, the thin, papery husk shed during roasting.
In large-scale roasting, enormous amounts of chaff are produced as the beans dry and expand. Many roasteries treat it as waste, often sending it to landfill. While it will eventually break down, chaff in landfill emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Here at Chilton Manor Farm, we see coffee chaff as a hidden treasure.
Why we love coffee chaff
- Nutrient-rich: Coffee chaff is packed with nitrogen, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, helping the soil thrive.
- Supports composting: When mixed with other organic matter, it creates nutrient-rich compost for the crops.
- Our founder Fran makes incredible compost for his home vegetable patch!
Science backs it up
Research shows that coffee chaff and husks improve soil fertility, increase microbial activity, and help plants grow faster. By reusing chaff on the farm, we’re turning what could be waste into a natural soil booster.
How we do it
Our roasting machines produce chaff constantly - and yes, it’s lightweight and blows everywhere! That’s why we wear masks when cleaning out the roasters.
At Chilton Manor Farm we spread the chaff across the fields at Chilton MF or add to compost. Our Roasters; Dan and Meaks take on the job every two weeks, spreading around 8-9 coffee sacks of chaff each time to keep the soil healthy and full of nutrients.
And if you fancy getting your hands on some chaff for your own garden or compost heap, you’re welcome to come and collect some! Just call ahead so we can prepare it for you.
The impact
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by keeping chaff out of landfill
- Improves soil health for vegetables and pasture
- Contributes to a circular coffee system, making every cup more sustainable
Every cup of Moon Roast coffee contributes to a healthier farm ecosystem and a more sustainable planet. That’s the kind of extra boost we love!
