About Substituting arrowroot powder for corn
starch or wheat flour
Arrowroot substitutes for corn starch at a 2:3 ratio. One tablespoon (3 teaspoons)
of corn starch is replaced by 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder.
For wheat flour, the substitution is a 1:3 ratio. One tablespoon of wheat flour
substituted by a single teaspoon of arrowroot powder.
If the food being prepared is going to be frozen,arrowroot better endures freezing
and reheatings, as well as having a more neutral taste, compared to tapioca,
It is a stronger binder, not weakened by acidic ingredients, and won’t discolor your
dishes like other thickeners might.
Where Not to Use Arrowroot Powder
It does not work well with dairy, where it creates a thick slime.
Except in homemade ice cream…
Where Arrowroot prevents the formation of ice crystals. Unfortunately, commercial
ice cream manufacturers opt instead for cheap propylene glycol, or edible
antifreeze.
Arrowroot flour is not recommended
for baking pies or similar creations that are cooked under prolonged high heat.
Tapioca (cassava) is a preferred substitute for wheat flour or cornstarch to thicken.
Arrowroot, like a number of thickeners, requires careful use, as overheating results
in a loss of thickening power. It is recommended to mix it first with a cooler liquid
(such as a set aside portion of a soup or stew that has been allowed to cool), then
add this to the larger mixture after it has been removed from heat.
Sourcing and Storage of Arrowroot Flour
Like with so many foods and products today, make sure to purchase arrowroot flour
from a reputable source. This ensures that you are getting true, genuine, 100%
arrowroot powder, not some blend or imitation product. Since farmers generally
cultivate arrowroot with little to no agrichemicals, it is not necessary to pay a premium
for organically certified in most cases. Arrowroot starch from Bob’s Red Mill or powder
from Frontier are two reliable sources.
This is a similar pattern to other foods. For example, store bought honey is
frequently adulterated with high fructose corn syrup. Olive oil, organic or not,
is usually “blended” with low quality oils such as canola or other cheap vegetable
oils and sold as pure olive oil.
Proper Storage of Arrowroot Powder
Store in a dark cool dry place. If it comes in a plastic bag,
place it in a secondary zip lock bag or tightly sealed container,
preferably in the Fridge.
To test, whisk together 1/4 cup arrowroot starch with 1/4 cup room
temperature water.
Add to 2 cups boiling water and blend well. Once cooled, the mixture
should form an arrowroot jelly that is perfectly smooth in consistency.
If not, the arrowroot flour is not authentic or has lost its potency and
needs to be replaced.
Other Practical Uses for Arrowroot Starch
Arrowroot isn’t just a food, but has many other traditional uses too. Ancestral
cultures used it to treat poisonous bites and wounds. This is due to it ability to
rapidly absorb substances and toxins of an undesirable nature. More modern
uses include problems like athlete’s foot or other conditions caused by excess
moisture.Given the growing concern over the dangers of talc, arrowroot based
formulations especially for babies are a safe alternative.
From an an article by John Moody
John Moody is the director of Steader, author, speaker, farmer, homesteader, and
Real Food activist. John speaks nationally at a wide range of events, along with writing
for numerous publications and consulting for farmers, homesteaders, and food businesses.
He has two books forthcoming.
https://steader.com/
https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/arrowroot-benefits-uses-cautions/
