Arrowroot

Introduction

Arrowroot powder is the dried root of the arrowroot plant. It is valued chiefly for its thickening properties, and is often used in thickening clear sauces and glazes and jellies. It is also used as a primary ingredient in infant cookies, where its digestibility makes it an excellent alternative to flour. It is said to help soothe the pain of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, and is considered a nutritious and easily digested food starch for infants and elderly patients with bowel complaints.Arrowroot powder is also often used as a substitute for talcum in baby powder and body powder. The South American Arawak tribe used it as an antidote for poisoned arrows, thus its name, and it also is considered to be an effective antidote to vegetable poisons.

Constituents

Starch, Fiber, Sugar, Gum, Ash, Sand

Parts Used

rhizome

Typical Preparations

dried powder

Summary

Arrowroot powder is sought after as a thickening agent for gourmet dishes, and is well known for its use in crystal clear fruit glazes and jellies. Its demulcent and nutritious properties have made it a popular ingredient in babyÍs teething biscuits and in foods prepared for the elderly and those with chronic bowel complaints. Because arrowroot powder thickens at lower temperatures than other vegetable starches, it is far less likely to burn, and it will thicken even in the presence of acidic fruits, making it the thickener of choice for crystal clear fruit glazes.

Precautions

None

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