Arrowroot is a large, perennial herb found in rainforest habitats. It is cultivated for the starch obtained from the rhizomes (rootstocks), which is used as a nutritious food as well as medicine. It is used widely in traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea, urinary tract infections, and respiratory issues.
It is typically processed into a powder called arrowroot flour, which is used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, providing a dense source of energy. Arrowroot is a rich source of nutrients such as folate, iron, phosphorus, and potassium, which offer numerous health benefits. Its qualities of being easy to digest, gluten-free, and high in nutrients make it ideal for meeting the nutritional needs of children and older adults who require gentler food.
Arrowroot powder looks like corn starch and is white and powdery, but it contains more nutrients. This nutrient-rich starch is used as a healthier alternative to cornstarch for baking bread, pasta, cakes, and other food items. Arrowroot flour blends well with a variety of ingredients, making it an essential ingredient in infant formulas and confectioneries.