Arrowroot starch (also known as arrowroot flour) is a gluten-free alternative to genetically modified corn starch. It is the easiest starch for the body to digest, and is used in food preparations for the elderly, babies and those with digestive problems. An egg substitute, arrowroot is used for giving structure to sauces, pie fillings and preserves. Use arrowroot as a thickener for stews, soups and casseroles. It is colourless, flavourless and odourless, and has moisture absorbing qualities. Arrowroot is used increasingly in natural cosmetics and skin care products.
• Our Arrowroot is Maranta arundinacea. • Gluten Free • Organic, natural alternative to GMO corn starch • Was a common commercial crop in the 1800s. • Can be derived from many different starchy tubers including Zamia integrifolia, and Manihot esculenta (Cassava, Tapioca), Tacca leonopetaloides (Polynesian Arrowroot), Puertaria lobata (Japanese Arrowroot or Kudzu) and Australian Canna edulis. • Underground tubers are soaked in hot water, peeled, mashed, and allowed to rest. The starch settles on the bottom, is separated and dried. • Arrowroot is one of the easiest starches for the body to digest. • In some cultures, it’s used as a replacement for breast-milk and as a nutritional supplement for babies after weaning. • Soothing on the skin and has benefits as an ingredient in skin preparations. • Multiple records refer to its historical use on septic sores, scorpion bites, gangrene and even smallpox.
Cooking with Arrowroot
• A valuable source of culinary starch. • Makes an excellent thickener producing a clear gel - perfect for stews, soups and casseroles. • Works well as a substitute for eggs • May be used in cakes, fruit preserves, biscuits, and puddings • Can be used when making creams, custards, puddings and pie fillings to give them structure and body. • Arrowroot powder in batter makes fried food crunchy. • Will turn clear as it sets, and will not interfere with the colour of the dishes it is included in. • It has no scent and no flavour.
Health benefits and Therapeutic Uses
• Used for babies and for the elderly and those with digestive problems. • Contains healthy doses of Potassium, Iron, Vitamin B6, Thiamin, Niacin, Magnesium, Riboflavin and Vitamin C. • Used in Indian Ayurveda medical practice for diarrhea as it calms the stomach, and colitis (inflammation of the colon), which often causes ulcers. It is known to stop bleeding, and is an effective remedy in oedema as it stimulates diuretic action. • Used as a non-irritating diet for patients suffering from specific chronic ailments including recovering from fevers, those experiencing irritations of the gastrointestinal tract, the lungs, or the excretory system. • Many natural deodorants and cosmetics have arrowroot as the base : natural deodorants, body powders, lotions, sugar scrubs, bath bombs, bath brews, bath fizzies and body butters. • It has excellent moisture absorbing properties (hygroscopic), so can be used in place of talcum powder. It has no scent and no flavour.