Do masticating juicers remove pulp?

Masticating juicers, also known as slow or cold press juicers, work by crushing and squeezing fruit and vegetables to extract juice. This results in a smoother, more nutritious juice than what you get from centrifugal juicers. But one question that often comes up is whether masticating juicers remove pulp from the juice.

How masticating juicers work

Masticating juicers have an auger – a corkscrew-like part – that rotates slowly at around 80-100 RPM. The auger crushes produce against a chamber to squeeze out the juice. The pulp left over after juicing is then ejected into a separate container.

This cold press method preserves more nutrients compared to fast spinning centrifugal juicers. Enzymes and vitamins remain intact since there is minimal heat buildup and oxidation.

Do masticating juicers remove pulp?

Yes, masticating juicers do remove most of the pulp from fruits and vegetables. But the amount of pulp that ends up in your juice depends on several factors:

• The produce used – Soft fruits like oranges tend to yield more pulp than harder vegetables.
• Juicer model – Some juicers are more efficient at separating pulp than others.
• Juicer settings – Many masticating juicers have adjustable pulp ejection screens to control pulp levels.

While masticating juicers remove most of the insoluble fiber/pulp, some amount does end up in your juice giving it a thicker, smoother texture. This is beneficial since pulp contains fiber, vitamins, minerals and plant compounds.

Benefits of pulp in juice

Here are some benefits of keeping some pulp in your masticating juicer juice:

• Added fiber – Pulp provides insoluble fiber that promotes gut health and keeps you feeling full for longer.
• Extra nutrients – Up to 90% of nutrients are found in the skin and pulp of produce. Pulp adds vitamin, mineral and antioxidant value.
• Slower nutrient release – Pulp creates a fibrous matrix that causes slower nutrient absorption and reduced blood sugar spikes.
• Improved satiety – Juice with pulp takes longer to drink. This activates stretch receptors in your stomach improving satiety.

Adjustable pulp screens

Many masticating juicers come with adjustable pulp screens that allow you to control the amount of pulp in juice:

• Coarse screen – Allows more pulp through for thicker, nutrient-rich juice.
• Fine screen – Catches more pulp for smoother, clearer juice.

Switch screens to suit your taste preferences. Go coarse for max nutrition or fine for easier drinking.

Ways to reduce pulp

If you prefer juice with minimal pulp, here are some tips to reduce fiber content when using a masticating juicer:

• Use the fine screen setting if available.
• Juice peel-free citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, etc.
• Juice fruits before harder vegetables.
• Mix produce – alternate fruits with greens and veggies.
• Strain juice through a nut milk bag or fine mesh sieve after juicing.

Masticating juicers vs centrifugal juicers

Centrifugal juicers spin produce at very high speeds to separate juice from pulp. This generates heat that destroys enzymes and oxidizes nutrients. Centrifugal models also tend to leave more pulp in the juice.

Masticating juicers crush and press produce, generating little heat. The auger is more efficient at separating pulp from juice. You get better nutrition and can better control pulp levels.

Here’s a comparison table summarizing the key differences:

Type	Masticating Juicer	Centrifugal Juicer
Juicing method	Cold press	High speed spinning
Speed	80-100 RPM	3000-14000 RPM
Heat generated	Low	High
Oxidation	Minimal	High
Nutrients preserved	More	Less
Pulp separation	Efficient	Less efficient
Pulp in juice	Adjustable	More

Best masticating juicers

Here are some of the best masticating juicers that efficiently extract juice while retaining nutrients:

• Tribest Slowstar – Sturdy cold press juicer with duo-blade auger. Has min/max pulp screens.
• Omega NC800 – Dual stage masticating juicer with adjustable end cap to control pulp.
• SKG Wide Chute – Large 3 inch chute fits whole produce. Has reverse function.
• Aicok Slow Masticating – Compact vertical juicer with juice and pulp separation. Auto-cleaning.
• Kuvings CS600 – Silent juicer with 3-inch wide feed. BPA-free components.

The right masticating juicer allows you to optimize nutrition and pulp levels in your juice for a smooth, nutrient-dense beverage.

Masticating juicer vs blender

Both masticating juicers and blenders are useful kitchen tools with some important differences:

• Juice extraction – Juicers separate juice from insoluble fiber. Blenders puree everything into a smoothie.
• Nutrition – Juice has slightly more nutrients per ounce compared to blended produce.
• Fiber – Blending retains all the fiber. Juicing removes most of the insoluble fiber.
• Texture – Juice is thinner, more refreshing. Smoothies are thicker, more filling.
• Speed – Juicers are generally slower. Blenders work very quickly.
• Cleanup – Blenders usually rinse clean faster than juicers.

Juicers like masticating models are good for extractor nutrient-dense juices. Blenders are better for making thicker, fibrous smoothies and shakes.

Should you drink juicer pulp?

The pulp ejected from masticating juicers is dry and fairly tasteless. But it still contains valuable fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Here are some ways to use up leftover pulp:

• Mix into smoothies for extra fiber and thickness.
• Add to baked goods like muffins, breads for moisture and nutrition.
• Make into dehydrator fruit rolls by drying on low heat.
• Compost in garden for nutrient-rich soil.
• Use in facial or body scrubs mixed with other ingredients.

Don’t waste all that juicer pulp – use it to boost nutrition and fiber in other foods or drinks.

Conclusion

Masticating juicers do remove most of the insoluble fiber/pulp from fruits and vegetables. But some pulp still ends up in the juice based on produce, juicer model and pulp screen settings.

Pulp adds beneficial fiber, vitamins, minerals and plant compounds. Adjustable screens on masticating juicers allow you to control the amount of pulp. For the healthiest juice with maximum nutrition, keep some of the pulp in your juice.

Compared to centrifugal juicers, masticating juicers do a better job separating pulp from juice while preserving nutrients. They give you more control over the texture and nutrition of your juice.