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Juicing at home is a commitment that involves some expenditure of time, energy, and money, so it’s essential to maximize the benefits. This not only means ensuring that you’re using every usable part of the fruits and vegetables (like leaving the skins on apples, carrots, and cucumbers) but also finding creative uses for the leftover pulp.
Though it might not be the most appealing by itself, taking the time and effort to set up and clean your juicer as well as purchasing fresh produce means you should make the most of all the ingredients. Instead of tossing the pulp into the trash or compost, consider these simple ways to repurpose it.
Make Pulp-sicles
The method is as clever as the name suggests. Mix your leftover pulp with a bit of juice to enhance the flavor once frozen, and pour the mixture into popsicle molds or an ice tray. Insert a wooden stick into the center and freeze for at least 4 hours until they are completely solid.
Use in Veggie Burgers or Fritters
Incorporate a generous portion of pulp into your next batch of homemade patties or fritters. Pulp from celery, beets, carrots, spinach, or cucumbers adds earthy flavors and helps keep the shape of the burgers while boosting the nutrient content of your meatless dish.
Add It to Granola, Energy Bars, or Balls
Homemade granola is enhanced by the addition of extra vitamins and minerals. Mix about a cup of leftover pulp for every 3 cups of oats in your favorite granola recipe.
Turn It Into a Dip or Spread
Next time you’re making homemade hummus with garbanzo beans, tahini, olive oil, and herbs, add some pulp to the blender. For a dairy-based spread, mix the pulp with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or butter for a nutritious condiment to put on bagels, crackers, or bread.
Mix It Into Baked Goods
Quick breads, cakes, muffins, and even cookies can benefit from the added moisture and fiber of pulp. Use pulp from sweeter fruits and vegetables like apples, citrus, beets, carrots, melons, and grapes for these baked goods.
Try a Batch of Fruit Leather
Fruit leather doesn’t require a dehydrator. Adding pulp makes it fiber-rich, and you’ll blend it with other fruits anyway. Refer to our fruit leather recipe for guidance. If the blend is too thick, add applesauce or a little water to make it spreadable.
Make a Veggie Stock
If your pulp includes vegetables like celery, carrots, onions, and garlic, convert it into a savory vegetable broth. Sauté the pulp in olive oil, then add your favorite spices, herbs, and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 2 hours. Cool slightly before straining.
Make Dog Treats
If you can’t imagine using the pulp yourself, your furry friend might gladly partake. Mix it into their food or create homemade crackers as treats for them to enjoy.
