Whether you’re a newbie vegan or a seasoned foodie, you’ve no doubt heard about the virtues of juicing. The practice provides major boosts of energy, is easy on digestion, and tastes great. About a year ago, my parents gifted me my very own juicer, a device so beloved that it became part of my everyday routine. If you’ve also had the opportunity to juice at home, you know that there’s a downside to this liquid miracle: it’s expensive! Just one serving of juice could contain multiple carrots, a whole head of kale, and multiple apples, pears, or citrus fruits. So what’s a juice-loving girl to do? Use the leftover pulp, that’s what.
This lovely green juice has just left a ton of pulp!
There are multifarious ways to creatively and economically use juice pulp in your daily meals. If you plan to use it within a day or so of juicing, store in the refrigerator. Otherwise, place juice pulp in a container or plastic bag and store in the freezer. Here are some ideas to get your creative wheels turning:
1. Green Guacamole
Do you love guac (who doesn’t?!)? Take this green dip to another level by adding ½ cup of leftover juice pulp to your ingredients. Simply mash the pulp with your regular guacamole ingredients and serve with your favorite vegetable crudites or crackers.
2. Fibrous Smoothies
For this use, you’ll want to use frozen juice pulp. Similar to any other frozen ingredient, the pulp will add thickness and added nutrients to your smoothie without imparting too much flavor. Make sure to use some fruit or flavored protein powder, and you won’t even notice its there!
3. Raw Crackers
This is one of my favorite uses for juice pulp. With just a few other common ingredients, you can create a slew of flavored crackers for snacking. Try these Green Crackers or these Green Juice Crackers to get started. Note: most cracker recipes suggest that you use a dehydrator. While this is recommended, I’ve had success making crackers in a conventional oven turned on the lowest heat setting. They won’t be truly raw, but they will still be delicious.
4. Veggie Burgers
What vegan doesn’t love a good veggie burger? By using your leftover juice pulp, you’ll be adding a so much nutrient density to each patty. For these burgers, try to use pulp that doesn’t contain much fruit, as you want your burger to be more savory than sweet. To start, make this simple recipe.
5. Baked Goods
In the mood for something sweet? Juice pulp is delicious incorporated into muffins, cakes, and more. For recipes like these, use pulp that uses predominantly sweet fruits and vegetables, like carrots, apples, beets, sweet potatoes, and oranges. Ginger root would also be a nice touch!
What are your favorite ways to use juice pulp?
Related: 4 Tips on Juicing, plus recipes!
Refreshing Grapefruit Basil Juice
Also by Molly: Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar + DIY Braggs Drink Recipe!
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Photo: Mary Hood
