Arrowroot starch is essential when it comes to gluten free baking. Its a versatile flour that can be used to thicken sauces, stews and soups. While arrowroot starch comes in powdered form, when combined with liquid, it creates a neutral-flavored mixture that can be added to any soup-like recipe.
Now, if you have arrowroot powder in your kitchen but arent quite sure which recipe to add it to, dont worry. At Bobs Red Mill, we understand that using new ingredients can be confusing. To help you better explore arrowroot powder and all of its benefits, we put together this simple guide. Whether you use this guide as recipe inspiration or as a way to learn a little more about arrowroot, we hope that it inspires you to start using starch in the kitchen.
Here are some of our favorite benefits of arrowroot starch, as well as some tried and true uses! Lets get started!
The arrowroot plant has been used by humans for over 7,000 years and has a wide variety of applications In this article, we’ll explore the most popular uses of this versatile plant.
A Brief Overview of Arrowroot
Arrowroot refers to the starchy powder extracted from the rhizomes or tubers of Maranta arundinacea a tropical plant native to South America.
The arrowroot powder acts as a thickening agent and is used as a replacement for cornstarch or wheat flour. It is rich in nutrients like vitamins B6 and B9, magnesium, potassium and iron.
Arrowroot has medicinal properties and has traditionally been used to treat digestive issues, urinary tract infections and mouth sores. The high protein content makes it suitable for infants.
Now let’s look at the most common uses of this multi-purpose plant:
Culinary Uses
Arrowroot starch is the most popular use of this plant due to its versatility in the kitchen:
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Thickening agent: Arrowroot produces clear, odorless, gel-like texture when cooked, making it ideal as a thickener for sauces, gravies, soups, stews and fruit fillings. It can be used as a replacement for cornstarch.
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Gluten-free baking: As a gluten-free, flavorless powder, arrowroot works well in gluten-free baked goods like cookies, muffins and breads. It helps improve the texture and moisture retention.
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Confectioneries: Arrowroot gives a glossy appearance and enhances moisture in candies, jellies, fruit preserves and ice-creams.
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Vegan cooking: It can be used as an egg replacement in vegan baked goods. Arrowroot mixed with water mimics the binding properties of eggs.
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Infant nutrition: The easily digestible starch and mild flavor make arrowroot suitable for infant cereals and teething biscuits.
Cosmetic Uses
Arrowroot starch has excellent moisture-absorbing properties. When applied topically, it helps dry out rashes, blemishes and athlete’s foot. Some popular cosmetic uses include:
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Natural deodorant: The antimicrobial action helps combat body odor. Simply mix arrowroot powder, baking soda and coconut oil to make an effective deodorant.
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Dry shampoo: Arrowroot powder absorbs grease and moisture when sprinkled on the scalp. It cleanses hair without water.
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Face powder: Mix with cosmetic clays like bentonite to create natural, talc-free face powder. Arrowroot mattifies skin.
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Moisturizing lotion: When used in lotions, it creates a smooth, silky texture. Just avoid using it around the eye area as arrowroot can cause irritation.
Medicinal Uses
Arrowroot has been used in folk medicine and Ayurveda to treat various conditions:
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Digestive aid: The high fiber content helps regulate digestion. Arrowroot biscuits are recommended for digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome.
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Diarrhea relief: The starchy component firms up stool consistency and the watersoluble fiber helps with rehydration.
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Urinary tract infections: Arrowroot tea can help fight infections in the bladder and urethra due to its antimicrobial action.
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Mouth ulcers: Gargling arrowroot tea provides a soothing effect for canker sores and gum inflammation.
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Wound healing: Topical application of arrowroot powder is said to accelerate healing of black spider bites and scorpion stings.
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Gangrene treatment: The anti-inflammatory effect may help stop the spread of gangrene when applied directly on the infected area.
Other Uses
Some other interesting uses of arrowroot include:
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Biodegradable tableware: Arrowroot leaves can be shaped into bowls and plates for environmental friendly dining.
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Animal feed: The nutrient-rich leaves and shoots can be used to feed livestock like pigs and chickens.
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Paper-making: In South America, arrowroot starch is used in preparation of fancy paper.
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Textile manufacturing: Clothing manufacturers sometimes use arrowroot starch as coating or finishing on fabrics.
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Water purification: The starchy component acts as a natural water filtrate when mixed with water.
Key Takeaways
The arrowroot plant has a wide range of culinary, cosmetic, medicinal and household applications:
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It acts as a thickener, binding and emulsifying agent in cooking. Arrowroot improves texture in gluten-free baking.
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The absorbent powder effectively absorbs moisture and oil when used in hair and skin care recipes.
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Traditionally used to treat diarrhea, mouth ulcers, UTIs and gangrene due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Biodegradable and edible cutlery can be shaped from arrowroot leaves as an eco-friendly alternative.
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Arrowroot starch purifies water by absorbing impurities when added to dirty water.
Add Structure to Baked Goods
Craving a little more structure in your favorite dessert recipe? Look no further. Adding arrowroot starch to your baked goods can help create the light and airy texture you crave. Like when thickening soup, the best way to add arrowroot powder to a baked treat is first to create a slurry. Upon combining the arrowroot, youll begin to notice the batter thickening. Continue mixing until it reaches the desired consistency and voila! Your baked goods will be lighter and fluffier than ever.
Thicken Soups and Stews
If youve ever made a soup thats turned out too runny, then you understand the struggle. When soups are too liquidy you are oftentimes left wondering if you should drink it rather than eat it. Arrowroot starch can help with that! To successfully thicken your favorite soup, start by creating a “slurry.” To do this, mix a small amount of arrowroot and begin with a cold liquid like water or plant-based milk. Once the two ingredients are thoroughly combined, they will create a paste or “slurry” that you can then add to your soup. When using arrowroot powder to thicken soups, we recommended adding it to the recipe at the end of the cooking process to prevent molecules in the starch from breaking down.
5 Interesting Arrowroot Health Benefits Which You Must Know | NatureLoC
What is arrowroot used for?
Arrowroot is a root vegetable often sold as a powder. It’s used as a thickening agent and gluten-free flour. Many of its health benefits are associated with its starch content, which may promote weight loss, treat diarrhea, and stimulate your immune system. In addition to its culinary and medicinal uses, arrowroot is used for cosmetic purposes.
What can I use arrowroot powder for?
All the same, some popular uses include: Dry shampoo. Massage arrowroot powder into your scalp to refresh your hair without water. Deodorant ingredient. Mix equal parts arrowroot powder, coconut oil, and baking soda for a homemade deodorant. Talcum and baby powder substitute.
Is arrowroot a good plant for beginners?
Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) is a popular tropical plant that is grown for its starchy root. The plant is easy to grow and care for, making it a great choice for beginners. In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks for keeping your arrowroot plant healthy and thriving.
Is arrowroot a plant?
Arrowroot is not technically a plant in itself, but rather a type of powdery starch that can be readily obtained from the roots or rhizomes of the Marantaceae family of plants. This high nutrient density starch has been very valuable to a number of indigenous cultures dating back more than 7,000 years.