Arrowroot

Photo: flickr user graibeard

About

A food product which is made from the underground stems of the Maranta plant.

Information

Other names: Arrowroot Starch, Obedience Plant

Translations: Niedru maranta, Marantos, Arorut, Bột hoàng tinh, Maranta, Pijlwortel, अरारोट, Araruta, Аррорут, Αραρούτι, الاروروت نبات, 칡의 일종, Maranta, Ararut, Araro, 葛, Arrurruz, Marante, Maranta, Arrowrot, Арровроот, 葛, Marante, Arrurruz, Аррорут, Arrowjuuri, Тропическо растение

Physical Description

Arrowroot, like other starches, is a light, white powder which feels firm to the touch and crunches when rubbed or pressed. Arrowroot is odorless when dry, but emits a faint odor when mixed with boiling water. Arrowroot also swells on cooking into a perfect jelly with a very smooth consistency, which can be used to make a food for vegetarians.

Colors: White

Tasting Notes

Flavors: none

Mouthfeel: Not eaten in powder form

Food complements: None

Wine complements: None

Beverage complements: None

Substitutes: Potato starch, Starch

Selecting and Buying

Seasonality: january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november, december

Peak: january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november, december

Choosing: Arrowroot is available in most food stores all year round.

Buying: Arrowroot can be purchased from most grocery shops. It comes in airtight containers and be bought all year round

Procuring: Arrowroot powder comes from the root of the arrowroot or obedience plant which is a large perennial herb that grows in the rainforest. ant It has been naturalized in Florida but is chiefly cultivated in the West Indies.

Preparation and Use

Arrowroot is available in most food stores all year round.

Conserving and Storing

Arrowroot must be stored in airtight containers

Social/Political

History: In the Victorian era arrowroot was boiled with a little flavoring which made an easily digestible food for children and people with dietary problems.

Studies show evidence of arrowroot cultivation as early as 7,000 years ago. The name may have come from aru-aru which mean meal of meals in the native language of the Caribbean Arawak people, who use the plant as a staple.