Tag: Maranta arundinacea

Despite their similar white, powdery appearance and function as thickeners, a fundamental difference exists between these two starches, with arrowroot derived from a tropical plant's root and cornstarch from corn kernels. For those with corn allergies or who simply seek clarity, understanding this distinction is key to knowing, does arrowroot contain corn.

According to botanical classification, the arrowroot plant belongs to the Marantaceae family, not the nightshade (Solanaceae) family. This means that for those following a nightshade-free diet, arrowroot starch is a safe and suitable gluten-free thickening agent.

Over 7,000 years ago, indigenous South American cultures began cultivating arrowroot for its versatile medicinal and culinary uses. This history raises a common question: what is arrowroot classified as, given its dual identity as both a plant and a processed product?