Are you a fan of oat milk?
It’s a popular alternative to dairy milk, but have you ever wondered what to do with the leftover pulp after making your own oat milk?
Don’t let it go to waste!
There are plenty of creative ways to use oat pulp, from making cereal porridge to baking delicious cookies.
Plus, upcycling the pulp is a great way to reduce food waste and help the environment.
In this article, we’ll explore some fun and tasty ways to use oat pulp and how it can benefit both you and the planet.
So, let’s get started!
What To Do With Pulp From Oat Milk?
When making oat milk, the leftover pulp may seem like a waste product, but it can actually be repurposed in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Cereal Porridge: Oat pulp is a nutritious and delicious addition to your morning cereal. Simply mix the pulp with milk or water and cook over medium heat until thickened. Add your favorite fruits, nuts, or spices for added flavor.
2. Cookies: Who doesn’t love a good cookie? Use oat pulp to make chocolate chip oatmeal pulp cookies for a tasty treat that’s also eco-friendly. The recipe is simple and can be made dairy-free by using dairy-free chocolate chips.
3. Smoothies: Add oat pulp to your favorite smoothie recipe for an extra boost of fiber and nutrients.
4. Face Masks: Oat pulp can also be used in DIY face masks for its soothing and exfoliating properties. Mix the pulp with honey and yogurt for a refreshing mask that will leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated.
Why It’s Important To Use Oat Pulp
Repurposing oat pulp is not only a great way to reduce food waste, but it also has environmental benefits. When oat milk is produced, the leftover pulp is often discarded, contributing to landfill waste. By using the pulp in creative ways, we can reduce our impact on the environment and create a more sustainable future.
Additionally, using oat pulp in recipes adds a nutritious boost to your meals. Oat pulp is high in fiber, which can aid in digestion and help you feel fuller for longer. It also contains vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Moreover, upcycling oat pulp can save you money. Instead of buying expensive face masks or cereal bars, you can use the pulp to make your own at home. This not only saves money but also reduces packaging waste associated with store-bought products.
How To Store Oat Pulp
Properly storing oat pulp is crucial for preventing it from going rancid and becoming unusable. The best way to store oat pulp is to place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. This will keep the pulp fresh for 2-3 days. If you want to store it for longer, oat pulp can also be frozen. To freeze, place the pulp in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to use the frozen oat pulp, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of warm water. It’s important to note that freezing may change the texture of the pulp, so it may not be suitable for all recipes.
If you want to make sure your oat pulp lasts as long as possible, consider dehydrating it. Spread the pulp evenly on a lined baking tray and put it in the oven on its lowest setting. Let it dehydrate for 4-6 hours, until there is no moisture left in the pulp and it is dry and crumbly. Once dehydrated, blend the oat pulp into a fine flour and store it in a sealed container in a dry cupboard.
Oat Pulp Recipes
Here are some specific recipes that you can try using oat pulp:
1. Oat Pulp Granola: Combine oat pulp with rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and honey to make a crunchy and nutritious granola. Bake in the oven until golden brown and enjoy with yogurt or milk.
2. Oat Pulp Energy Balls: Roll oat pulp into small balls with nut butter, honey, and your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit. These energy balls make for a great snack on the go.
3. Oat Pulp Pancakes: Use oat pulp as a substitute for flour in pancake batter for a healthier twist on a classic breakfast dish. Add in mashed bananas or blueberries for added sweetness.
4. Oat Pulp Veggie Burgers: Mix oat pulp with cooked black beans, spices, and breadcrumbs to make a vegetarian burger patty. Grill or bake until crispy and serve on a bun with your favorite toppings.
5. Oat Pulp Pizza Crust: Use oat pulp as a base for a gluten-free pizza crust. Mix with almond flour, eggs, and seasonings to make a dough that can be rolled out and topped with your favorite pizza toppings.
These are just a few ideas to get you started on using up your leftover oat pulp. Get creative and experiment with different recipes to find your favorite way to repurpose this nutritious ingredient.
Making Oat Pulp Skincare Products
Oat pulp is not only a great addition to your diet, but it can also be used in skincare products. Oatmeal has long been known for its soothing and calming properties, making it a popular ingredient in skincare. Here’s how to make a simple oat pulp face scrub:
Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup oat pulp
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to your face, gently massaging in circular motions.
3. Leave the scrub on for 5-10 minutes.
4. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
This face scrub is gentle enough for all skin types and can be used once or twice a week for best results. The oat pulp acts as a natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and revealing brighter, smoother skin. The honey and olive oil provide hydration and nourishment, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple.
In addition to the face scrub, oat pulp can also be used in other DIY skincare products such as face masks and body scrubs. Get creative and experiment with different ingredients to find the perfect recipe for your skin type. Not only will you be reducing waste by using up your leftover oat pulp, but you’ll also be treating your skin to some natural TLC.
Using Oat Pulp As A Garden Fertilizer
If you’re a gardener, you’ll be happy to know that oat pulp can also be used as a natural and organic fertilizer for your plants. By adding oat pulp to your compost bin or pile, you can create a nutrient-rich soil amendment that will help your plants grow strong and healthy.
To use oat pulp as a garden fertilizer, simply mix it into your compost bin or pile along with other organic materials like grass clippings, leaves, and vegetable scraps. Be sure to add some water to the mix to keep it moist and help the decomposition process.
Over time, the oat pulp will break down and release valuable nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium into the soil. These nutrients are essential for plant growth and will help your garden thrive.
Some gardeners even believe that adding a small amount of oatmeal in planting holes stimulates root growth. However, it’s important to note that opinions are mixed when it comes to using oatmeal as fertilizer. It’s best to experiment with small amounts and see how your plants respond.
It’s also important to use old-fashioned or slow-cooking oats instead of instant or quick-cooking oats. The latter are pre-cooked and not as beneficial for your plants.
Using oat pulp as a garden fertilizer is just one of many ways you can repurpose this versatile ingredient. By doing so, you’re not only reducing food waste but also helping your garden thrive in a natural and sustainable way.
Conclusion: The Benefits Of Upcycling Oat Pulp
Upcycling oat pulp not only reduces food waste but also has significant environmental benefits. By repurposing oat pulp, we can reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, upcycling oat pulp can help to reduce the demand for virgin materials needed to produce new products, which can help to conserve natural resources. Additionally, companies like Renewal Mill are using oat pulp to create nutritious and versatile flour, which can be used in a variety of food products. This not only reduces food waste but also provides a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional flour. Overall, upcycling oat pulp is a simple yet effective way to reduce waste and promote sustainability in our daily lives.
