Juice Pulp Biscuits: Raw Kitchen Tips and the Power of Seeds

Juice pulp should never be thrown out. Fiber is so abundantly available in almost every society yet so many people are extremely deficient. Fiber feeds our microbiome. Feeding the microbiome matters because the microbes in our gut directly (not indirectly) influence digestion, immunity, metabolism, and even our mood! 

Combining the left over fiber from juice pulp with nutrient‑rich flax seeds as the basis for a carbohydrate recipe creates a powerhouse food that supports your health. The tiny, yet powerful, flax seed brings plant‑based omega‑3s and cholesterol binding properties. Juice pulp contributes a subtle sweetness, antioxidant rich colors, and texture—together forming a wholesome, zero‑waste food that’s good for you. Scripture tells us even the smallest seeds can grow into something mighty, so don't underestimate these humble ingredients. Both scripture and nutritional science can demonstrate that simple food ingredients can carry remarkable worth.

The recipe I used for the juice pulp included parsley, apple, celery, cucumber, beet, and lemon. For the recipe click Parsley Celery Apple. Ingredients:

• 2 cups of fresh juice pulp

• 1/2 cup organic quinoa flakes

• 1/2 cup fresh ground flaxseed

• 1/4 cup hulled sesame seeds

• 1/8 cup chia seeds

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 2 teaspoons onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon pink or sea salt

• optional: Black sesame seeds as a topping

Creating the Crackers:

1. In a mixing bowl, using a fork, mix all the ingredients thoroughly until everything is incorporated.

2. Form golf sized balls with the palm of your hands. It will be messy but God made your hands to create things. Not everything should be done with a tool.

3. Gently smash the balls and form each biscuit, minding the edges so that they are not rounded and ridged. Otherwise they will be prone to breaking if edges are uneven and too thin.

4. Dehydrate for 2 hours at 125 degrees. Then lower the temperature to 115 degrees for the remaining 5 hours.

5. Flip the biscuits three times, every two hours or so.

Rawness Kitchen Tip:

Starting your dehydrator at 125 degrees for the first 1-2 hours will not compromise the rawness of food or destroy enzymes. The science is clear. This is because wet foods heat slowly, even if the air is 125 degrees. Enzymes are more vulnerable to being destroyed at 118 degrees in hot water. However, they can become damaged at 150 degrees in dry heat. Once the food dries, enzymes become dormant and can tolerate higher temperatures (out in the sun or near a stove) without being destroyed. This is so helpful to know living in Arizona! 🌵

Raw-food pioneer Viktoras Kulvinskas found that using a slightly higher temperature for 2-3 hours, then lowering to the 105-115 degrees Farenheit, preserved enzymes while speeding dehydration times. Viktoras, recently passed, was known for co-founding the Hippocrates Health Institute with Ann Wigmore.

Makes 9 crackers or depending on the size you make.

Top with your favorite toppings for a healthy snack or for a lively party!

The Powerhouse of Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients that contribute significantly to heart health. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), flax seeds help reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure, crucial factors in preventing cardiovascular disease. Additionally, they are high in dietary fiber, which aids in lowering cholesterol by binding to bile acids in the digestive system. This recipe double downs on fiber because of juice pulp. Fiber not only helps to reduce the amount of cholesterol that enters the bloodstream but promotes a healthy gut, further supporting overall cardiovascular health. It can move bio markers because regular consumption of flax seeds can lead to improved lipid profiles and a reduced risk of heart-related issues.

Heart-Healthy Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are another excellent addition to a heart-healthy diet. They are rich in lignans, which are also shown to lower cholesterol levels and improve arterial function. Furthermore, sesame seeds contain sesamin and sesamolin, two compounds that help reduce blood pressure and prevent the hardening of arteries. These little seeds are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium and calcium, sesame seeds support overall cardiovascular health by improving circulation and reduce oxidative stress. Incorporating sesame seeds into meals can be an effective way to enhance heart health and promote longevity.

The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches. ~Matthew 13:31-32

Written by Lupita Ronquillo, founder of Vegan Health and Yoga