 |
||
Arrowroot flour and its use in the gluten free dietArrowroot flour, for instance, is one that you may have never even considered.
What is Arrowroot?It is a large plant that is found in rainforest type climates. It is a rather large perennial herb and has several uses in cooking and health.The starch that is extracted from the rhizomes of the West Indian plant is what is referred to as "arrowroot" in cooking and dietary terminology. This particular starch is very easy to digest and is very complimentary to a gluten free diet. It can be found in Florida, where it is naturalized, but mostly it is cultivated outside of the United States in areas such as Australia, Southeast Asia, West Indies and South and East Africa. How is Arrowroot flour Used?It actually has a wide variety of uses. It can be used in biscuits or cakes and other baking as it is a perfect replacement for wheat flour. It can also be used in place of corn starch or other thickening agents in soups, jellies, hot sauces or broth.Some Asian cultures, such as Korean, use it to make their noodles. It can also be boiled and some flavoring added to form a mild gruel for young children or people who have digestive conditions or dietary restrictions. The taste of arrowroot is somewhat neutral to many people; although some claim it has a mild, "different" flavor. It thickens sauces at a lower temperature than the traditional corn starch so it is perfect for cream or egg based sauces and soups that may be more delicate. How is Arrowroot Prepared?When the roots of the plant are about twenty years old, they are dug, washed, cleaned of the scale that is like paper, washed a second time, drained and beaten with mortars until they are pulpy.The milky liquid that is left with the pulp is then strained through a fine sieve or coarse cloth. The starch collects at the bottom in a powder that is insoluble. The powder is then dried and it is packed for shipment. One note here is that when you purchase it, read the label thoroughly. Much of the arrowroot that is sold in stores is either part potato starch or is actually cassava flour. Neither of these has the same nutritional properties or the same gelling abilities as the pure product. Where can I buy Arrowroot flour?The Gluten Free Mall is an online supplier of a wide variety of gluten free products. They stock Authentic Foods Arrowroot Gluten-Free Flour in a handy 2.5lb package that has a shelf life of 10 - 12 months and will ship worldwide.Health BenefitsArrowroot is very gentle on the digestive system which means that many people who have conditions of the digestive system can likely benefit from using it.In Victorian times, it was given to invalids or those who were ill, or even as a drink. It was mixed with milk and sugar and heated, or it was mixed with water and sherry or brandy. In those times, its nutritional properties were touted and it was used liberally. However, more current research has shown that is very low in calories. While it is not a good sustaining food on its own for the ill or for invalids, it is quite popular among dieters and those who watch their caloric intake.
|
Arrowroot choices at Amazon
Gluten free grainsMany grains and seeds can be ground into gluten free flours.
Amaranthhave you tried this extremely nutritious grain?
BuckwheatTotally safe for a gluten free diet despite its name!
TeffThe tiniest grain in the world sure packs a punch nutrition wise.
|
|
|
[?] Subscribe To This Site
|
||
|
Therefore no information on this site should be taken as medical advice. Return to top of arrowroot flour Return to Gluten free grains Return to Home Page |
||
