Arrowroot powder (2024)

Arrowroot powder is a type of starch that can be used in place of cornflour. It is often used in baking, but is best used to thicken liquids – it's ideal for making clear jellies.

Victorians credited arrowroot as having many health benefits, noting that it was very easily digested. Now, we know that while it's not particularly nutritious, it is high in carbohydrates and low in protein (or gluten). It's not a suitable wheat flour substitute for breadmaking, but it adds good flavour to biscuits.

Arrowroot is made from the tuberous roots of a number of South American plants. Any use of ‘arrowroot’ in connection with tapioca or tapioca root is incorrect and misleading.

Availability

Widely available.

Choose the best

Look for pure, unadulterated arrowroot.

Store it

Arrowroot has a very long shelf life if kept in a cool, dry place.

Cook it

Arrowroot thickens more efficiently than other starches, so use 2 tsp arrowroot for every 1 tbsp cornflour, or 1 tsp arrowroot for 1 tbsp flour.

If you're making a clear jelly, mix arrowroot powder into a loose slurry with cool water or other liquid before adding to hot wine or fruit juice. Green or herbal teas also make wonderful clear jellies to serve with savoury or sweet dishes.

If used to thicken a custard or other cream sauce, you should also make a slurry before adding it to the hot mixture. You can do this with milk, if you like.

It’s important to remove any arrowroot-thickened mixture from the heat as soon as it's thickened to the correct consistency, because it will start to thin again if it's heated longer. Serve sauces that should be hot as soon as they're ready.

Arrowroot powder (2024)

FAQs

What is arrowroot powder used for? ›

Uses for arrowroot

It's used as a thickening agent for sauces, puddings, and jellies, as well as an ingredient in baked goods like cookies and cakes. Additionally, it's a popular replacement for wheat flour in gluten-free recipes ( 25 ).

Is arrowroot powder the same as cornstarch? ›

Arrowroot powder has a finer texture than cornstarch which can create a more lightweight silky finish without a powdery face. Arrowroot is also considered more of a natural product because it comes from the root of the arrowroot plant. Cornstarch on the other hand is derived from corn which may be genetically modified.

Is arrowroot good or bad for you? ›

Is arrowroot healthy to eat? Studies suggest that arrowroot is a healthy source of food. It is easily digestible, gluten-free, and low in calories. In addition, research indicates that it may be helpful for people with diabetes or digestive disorders.

What are the side effects of arrowroot powder? ›

It might cause constipation and stomach discomfort. When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if arrowroot is safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Arrowroot is POSSIBLY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women when taken by mouth in food amounts.

Is arrowroot good for your stomach? ›

Arrowroot has been used as a home remedy for digestive disorders for years. Recent research has indicated that there may be a medical basis for using arrowroot to combat diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. One preliminary study showed that arrowroot helped reduce diarrhea and ease stomach cramps.

Is arrowroot powder inflammatory? ›

Studies have shown that the consumption of Arrowroot powder may relieve Urinary Tract Infections. Arrowroot powder is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that may aid in infections.

Is arrowroot powder a laxative? ›

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.

Does arrowroot affect blood pressure? ›

Arrowroot can help lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health because of the high potassium levels in the vegetable. It is also high in antioxidants which can reduce oxidative stress in cells.

Is arrowroot kidney friendly? ›

A noteworthy amount of potassium present in arrowroot aids in clearing waste and toxins from the kidney. This is crucial to regulate blood pressure and ensure optimal kidney function.

Is arrowroot good for the liver? ›

Medicinal uses

Japanese arrowroot protects the liver and helps the body to metabolise alcohol. Japanese research published in 1998 verified this, suggesting that the protective action on the liver was due to several saponins. Japanese arrowroot is also reputed to suppress the craving for alcohol.

Is arrowroot good for acid reflux? ›

It mitigates extreme causticity, sickness, acid reflux, and colic and is a gentle diuretic. It is also used to treat a competitor's feet, not because it is antifungal but because the bland powder eliminates dampness when sprinkled in socks.

Can I use arrowroot powder on my body? ›

Arrowroot Powder can be used to create soothing, protective, deodorizing body and foot powders that also exudes a luxurious quality due to its fineness.

What is the best use of arrowroot flour? ›

Arrowroot starch is essential when it comes to gluten free baking. It's 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.

Is arrowroot powder good for your kidneys? ›

Good For Kidneys

The potassium content in arrowroot helps remove toxins and stressors from the kidney. This helps control blood pressure and improves the functioning of the urinary system.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Margart Wisoky

Last Updated:

Views: 6145

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Margart Wisoky

Birthday: 1993-05-13

Address: 2113 Abernathy Knoll, New Tamerafurt, CT 66893-2169

Phone: +25815234346805

Job: Central Developer

Hobby: Machining, Pottery, Rafting, Cosplaying, Jogging, Taekwondo, Scouting

Introduction: My name is Margart Wisoky, I am a gorgeous, shiny, successful, beautiful, adventurous, excited, pleasant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.