Whether you’re looking for something to enhance your skin, hair, or health, or something to add to your weekly diet, arrowroot powder might be the perfect fix. Arrowroot powder, a wonder powder with many uses and benefits, is certainly a must-have in your home. For a full rundown on what arrowroot powder is and used for, keep reading.
What is Arrowroot powder?
Who doesn’t love cakes and cookies made from wheat flour? But for the people allergic to gluten, there has to be another alternative right? What if we told you that there is another product which is undoubtedly nutritious and gluten-free, would you believe us? We introduce you to arrowroot powder, a flavorless white powder that is used to thicken soups, sauces, and other foods. It is comprised of starches that are extracted from various tropical tubers such as arrowroot and cassava.
Surprisingly, arrowroot powder has twice the thickening power of other powders such as wheat flour. The reason being is that it’s both protein and gluten free! Arrowroot powder can create a perfect gel which does not break when combined with acidic ingredients. It can also stand up to freezing, unlike corn starch.
What plant does it originate from?
Arrowroot is the rhizome of a plant which belongs to a genus Maranta. The most common species of arrowroot are present in various regions of the West Indies. This plant is a native of Guyana and western Brazil. However, it is cultivated throughout Australia, South Africa, and Southeast Asia. The roots of these plants have fleshy tubers and branched stems. On these stems, there are many leaves and a few flowers. The plant grows to a height of approximately 6ft. Historically, the ancient Mayans and other inhabitants of Central America used it as an antidote for poisons, to soothe the infections of the stomach, and to alleviate diarrhea.
How is it processed into a powder?
The arrowroot powder is extracted from the arrowroot plant. To remove some ingredients from the plant, the usual method used is extraction. The methods in extraction allow obtaining a substance in pharmaceutical forms that are to be used in the place of where the action is recommended. These preparations are infusions or decoctions and are extracted with the help of alcohol solutions. On the other hand, some of the products obtained from the plants are directly converted into powder form by using various techniques. In the case of arrowroot powder, it is obtained by soaking the plant in a tub of hot water. In the process, the tubers are peeled to remove the fibrous covers surrounding them. After peeling, these tubers are pushed into a machine which mashes it into a pulp. After mashing, the pulp is processed to obtain starch. The starch is then filtered and the residue obtained is ground into powder.
What are the nutritional benefits?
Arrowroot powder comes with many health benefits. In fact, it is as versatile as a health aid as it is as in the kitchen. Some of which include:
Aids Digestion
Arrowroot powder has 25% starch which acts as a mild laxative thus helps digestion and regulates the bowel movement. This powder also has a demulcent effect that can soothe the bowel movements in patients with the irritancy to defecate. On the other hand, it can be used to treat all digestive problems and an effective remedy for diarrhea. Not to mention, the powder provides the necessary nutrients which are lost during excessive vomiting and diarrhea.
Gluten-Free
It is a perfect substitute for those who are allergic to corn and gluten thus making it a replacement for wheat flour and a perfect ingredient in gluten-free baking.
Antidote
In some regions of the world, it is still used as an antidote for vegetable poisons. Arrowroot powder or the grounded rhizome is applied on the wound, insect bites, and are very effective in drawing the poison out of a wound caused by spiders and scorpions.
Suitable in Pregnancy
Arrowroot is an excellent source of folates. Folates are vital in pregnancy as 100-gram servings provide 84% of the requirement for women’s bodies. Folates are essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. Consuming folates before and during pregnancy helps prevent congenital disabilities and malformations.
Facilitates Weight Loss
For the people fighting with obesity and are on a strict diet, arrowroot powder, by being fat-free and low in calories, promotes weight loss. Thus you can easily use it in your soups and sauces without worrying about the fat content or calories.
Good for Heart
Arrowroot powder is an excellent source of salts such as potassium and sodium. Potassium is an essential component of our body and cells. It helps to regulate the blood pressure and heart rate.
Maintains Acid balance
Calcium being a primary ingredient in arrowroot is vital for maintaining proper acid and alkali balance in the human body.
What is arrowroot powder used for?
Thickener
Arrowroot powder is used as a thickener to thicken soups, gravies, sauces, and stews. The procedure is very simple. First, you have to make the slurry. This process is not as complicated as it sounds. It is quite simple - you only have to mix the arrowroot powder with cold water or milk. After adding the powder, whisk until smooth. Adding it to the sauce or gravy will help thicken it.
To make crunchy fried food
Arrowroot powder can be used to make very crispy fried food. You can apply this on chicken or other snacks. Deep fried chicken results in a very crunchy and mouthwatering meal that you can enjoy with friends!
Vegan Omelets
For the vegans, omelets can be given the perfect structure and hold with the help of starch, flour or xanthan gum. However, arrowroot powder contains all of these ingredients and makes it a perfect mix for the vegan omelets.
Baking and Desserts
For the people that are allergic to corn and wheat which cannot enjoy the mouthwatering desserts and cakes, arrowroot powder is your answer! This powder is used to make custards, puddings, pie fillings, and creams. On the other hand, it is the perfect flour for baking donuts, cakes, and cookies.
Hair dyes
Due to its thickening properties, arrowroot powder blends perfectly into hair dyes. Thus making it a critical component in hair dyes.
Cosmetics
It is also used in the preparation of cosmetics as it has nutrients which are very beneficial for glowing skin. It can also be used to treat certain skin problems.
Final Thoughts!
With such broad applications in our daily life, arrowroot flour powder is a product you should keep handy in your home. For the people allergic to wheat and corn, this powder is the perfect way to lose the cookie cravings. Don’t forget it also has various medical benefits for you as well and is ideal for people who are fighting weight loss. To buy the best quality arrowroot powder, you should look for Anthony's Premium Arrowroot Flour. This special flour is made from 100% natural arrowroot and is gluten-free. The powder is a product of Thailand but packaged in California. With a very neutral taste and smooth consistency, this powder is sure to be a must-have in your home! Grab one today and get cookin’.