5 Things You Need to Know About Arrowroot Powder

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Arrowroot powder (also called arrowroot flour or starch) is a natural thickener and texture enhancer that’s gluten-free. It can be added to foods like non-dairy pudding or sauces to create structure and give them a glossy sheen.

1. It’s Gluten-Free

In cooking, arrowroot is used as a thickening agent for sauces and jellies. It can also be used to create a clear glaze on foods, like fruit fillings or cakes.

Arrowroot is gluten-free, making it a good choice for people with celiac disease or other dietary restrictions. It’s also a great alternative to cornstarch, which is often genetically modified and harder to find in non-GMO varieties.

Arrowroot contains potassium, iron and B vitamins that boost metabolism, circulation and heart health. It can also help with digestion, reduce stomach pain and soothe mucous membranes. It is known to stimulate immune cells and boost the body’s natural resistance to illness. This is due to its anti-inflammatory properties and mucilaginous content. (21)

2. It’s Non-GMO

Arrowroot powder is a staple ingredient in many recipes for baked goods, as it thickens them without adding any extra fat or calories. It also helps to create a lighter, fluffier texture for the end result. It is especially useful in gluten-free baking.

The difference between corn flour and arrowroot is that arrowroot is ideal for use in fruit glazes and jellies because it does not break down when combined with acidic ingredients. It also stands up to freezing better than cornstarch, making it a popular substitute for frozen dessert applications.

Arrowroot is also often used to soothe mucous membranes, such as the mouth and gum lining. It has been shown to help with digestive issues such as bloating and stomach pain, but more research is needed in this area.

3. It’s a Natural Thickener

Arrowroot powder is a natural thickener that works well in recipes that call for low temperatures. Its effectiveness drops at high heat levels, though, so it may not be ideal for all recipes.

When using it as a thickener, it’s best to combine it with cold water first to make a slurry before adding it to hot liquid. This prevents the starch molecules from swelling too quickly and forming ugly lumps.

It also makes a good substitute for wheat flour in gluten-free baking. It doesn’t affect the flavor of a recipe, and it holds up well when frozen or cooked with acidic ingredients. It also doesn’t change the color or texture of a dish, making it ideal for sauces and soups that should remain clear.

4. It’s a Natural Absorbent

Arrowroot is a popular ingredient in dry powder body care formulations to absorb perspiration and help eliminate odors. It also provides a soft, silky texture and an overall mattifying effect. When formulated with Essential Oils or Fragrance Oils it can also mask odors in the hair and scalp.

Our arrowroot starch thickens at lower temperatures than other vegetable starches, which makes it the choice ingredient for crystal clear fruit glazes and jellies. It also helps to lighten the texture of alternative flour baked goods.

Because of its resistant starch content, arrowroot can also promote weight loss and treat diarrhea. However, it should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and under the supervision of a doctor for therapeutic purposes. Arrowroot is a natural product and is safe to use for most individuals.

5. It’s a Natural Antioxidant

Arrowroot is also full of antioxidants and essential minerals like potassium, iron, zinc and vitamin C. Boosting the immune system, it may help fight free radicals that cause premature aging and cell damage.

Arrow Root Powder is a great thickening ingredient for recipes that contain acidic ingredients or that will be frozen. Unlike cornstarch, it does not break down under these conditions. It also has a glossy sheen, unlike the cloudy appearance of recipes thickened with traditional flour starch.

When formulated into lotions and creams, Arrowroot provides a mattifying effect for oily skin types. It is especially useful for anhydrous formulations like body salves and butters to provide a more appealing, lightweight texture and leave a non-greasy finish on the skin. It can also be used in a dry shampoo to absorb excess sebum oils and mask odors.