What do people do with the pulp after juicing?

Introduction

Juicing fruits and vegetables has become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to get a concentrated dose of nutrients. When you juice produce, the insoluble fiber pulp is separated from the liquid juice. This leaves you with a nutrient-dense beverage, but also a pile of leftover pulp. While some people discard the pulp, there are actually many uses for it so that none goes to waste. Here is an overview of what you can do with pulp after juicing.

Compost It

One of the easiest and most common uses for juicing pulp is to compost it. Fruit and vegetable pulp contains beneficial microorganisms that aid the composting process. The pulp breaks down quickly and adds nutrient-rich organic matter to compost.

To compost pulp, you can:

• Add it directly to an outdoor compost pile or bin.
• Place smaller amounts in an indoor compost bin or worm composting bin.
• Bury pulp directly in soil around plants in the garden.

Composting pulp recycles the nutrients and fiber back into the soil, reducing waste. It’s a simple and eco-friendly way to get rid of excess juicing leftovers.

Make Broth or Stock

Vegetable pulp can be used to make flavorful and nutrient-dense broth or stock. The pulp imparts its flavors and minerals into the cooking liquid. Making broth is a tasty way to get extra value from produce scraps.

Here are some ideas for using up pulp in broth:

• Simmer vegetable pulp in water or bone broth to create a veggie stock.
• Add pulp to broth along with herbs and spices for flavor.
• Use broccoli, carrot, tomato or beet pulp to make colorful broth.
• Strain out the pulp after cooking and use broth for soups, grains or cooking.

Making broth is easy, thrifty and reduces food waste since typically discarded parts are used. The broth can be enjoyed on its own or used to enhance other dishes.

Bake with It

Juice pulp can be utilized in a variety of baked goods. It adds moisture, nutrients and texture. Fruit pulp tends to work best in sweeter items like muffins and breads, while veggie pulp is great for savory baked goods.

Here are some ideas for baking with pulp:

• Add banana, apple or berry pulp to muffins, cakes or pancakes.
• Mix carrot, beet or celery pulp into quick breads and loaves.
• Use spinach, kale or broccoli pulp in frittatas, tarts or savory pies.
• Dehydrate fruit pulp to make fruit leathers.

Get creative with recipes and try swapping in pulp for some of the flour or liquid. The pulp increases nutritional value and acts as a natural thickener.

Make Pickles or Chutney

Pickle or chutney is a tasty way to preserve fresh produce pulp and reduce waste. Fruit and vegetable pulp can be pickled solo or paired with other produce.

Some ideas for using pulp include:

• Pickle beet or carrot pulp for a probiotic-rich condiment.
• Mix apple, carrot and onion pulp to make chutney.
• Ferment vegetable pulp with herbs and spices into a tangy salsa.
• Use lemon, lime or orange pulp as the base for marmalade.

Once pickled or fermented, the pulp will keep for weeks or more. Enjoy using unique flavored condiments to dress up meals.

Nutrient-Rich Additions

Juice pulp is full of beneficial vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients. You can add pulp to dishes for a concentrated nutrition boost. Ideas include:

• Adding greens pulp to smoothies, pasta sauces or dips.
• Sprinkling berry, pomegranate or tomato pulp on salads.
• Mixing carrot, beet or celery pulp into soups or stews.
• Stirring lemon, orange or apple pulp into yogurt or oatmeal.

Get creative with ways to sneak more pulp into your family’s meals and snacks to up the nutritional content. The fiber-rich pulp also helps promote satiety.

Feed to Pets or Livestock

Dogs, chickens and farm animals relish fruit and veggie scraps. Livestock readily devour produce pulp and benefit from the nutrients. Keep the following tips in mind:

• Avoid feeding pulp with citrus, onion or spice leftovers which may upset animals’ stomachs.
• Start by feeding small amounts to observe for any issues.
• Mix pulp with grain or feed to encourage consumption.
• Fruit pulp can help hydrate chickens and farm animals.

Feeding juicing leftovers to pets and critters helps reduce food waste and diverts pulp from landfills. It benefits animals by providing fresh produce.

Trash It

As a last resort, juice pulp can be thrown out with the normal trash. However, this does result in sending beneficial organic matter to landfills.

To minimize the scrap going to waste, first:

• Wring out any excess liquid from pulp to reduce volume.
• Compost any amounts that won’t be used.
• Find creative recipes to use up pulp regularly.

With a bit of effort, you can typically avoid simply discarding all those nutritious leftovers after juicing.

Recipes Using Juice Pulp

Here are some recipe ideas to inspire creative ways to use up fruit and vegetable juicing pulp:

Carrot-Spice Breakfast Muffins

• 2 cups carrot juice pulp
• 1 cup oat flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup raisins or walnuts

Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes.

Beet Hummus

• 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained
• 1 cup beet juice pulp
• 3 Tbsp tahini or olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 small garlic clove
• 1/4 tsp salt

Blend ingredients until smooth. Enjoy with crackers or fresh veggies.

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

• 1 cup yogurt
• 1/4 cup berry juice pulp
• 2 Tbsp granola
• 1 tsp chia seeds
• Drizzle of honey

Layer ingredients in a jar or bowl. Top with extra fruit pulp or granola.

Veggie Juice Pulp Broth

• Pulp from 1 lb of juiced veggies
• 4 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp peppercorns

Simmer 30 minutes, strain and enjoy.

Conclusion

Juice pulp is a byproduct of making fresh, healthy fruit and vegetable juices. With a bit of creativity, you can make use of the pulp in many nutritious and sustainable ways instead of discarding it. Composting, making broth, baking, feeding to animals and adding to recipes are all great options. Get in the habit of reusing the pulp, so you fully utilize your juiced produce and avoid waste. With these tips, you can benefit from juicing knowing that the leftover pulp won’t go to waste.