What is Arrowroot?

Arrowroot is the pure starch extracted from the rhizome of Maranta arundinacea, a tropical plant in the arrowroot family (Marantaceae). It is a fine, bright white, nearly flavorless powder, sold here by weight.

About the plant

Arrowroot is native to the Caribbean and tropical South America, where the starch has been prepared for centuries. The washed rhizomes are pulped and rinsed to separate the starch, which is then dried to a powder. Because it is neutral in flavor and naturally gluten free, arrowroot has long been a staple in Caribbean and South American kitchens, and it was widely traded as a colonial-era commodity.

In the kitchen

Arrowroot is a culinary starch used mainly as a thickener. It sets to a clear, glossy finish, which many cooks prefer over the cloudier result of cornstarch for fruit fillings and clear sauces, and it is a common choice in gluten-free baking. It is often favored for acidic mixtures where some other starches break down.

Arrowroot: form & sizes

We carry arrowroot as pure extracted rhizome starch, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store arrowroot in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Keeping it away from moisture prevents the starch from clumping.

Arrowroot at a glance

Botanical name

Maranta arundinacea

Family

Marantaceae

Native region

Caribbean and tropical South America

Type

Pure starch extracted from the rhizome

Gluten

Naturally gluten free

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb