Maranta arundinacea (Maranta arundinacea)

Other names: arrowroot, arrowroot cane

The arrowroot, also known as arrowroot or arrowroot cane, is a plant native to the tropical regions of South America. Its medicinal properties were made known to others by the natives who used arrowroot to treat various diseases. The plant produces a strengthening and soothing drink that can be consumed on its own or with the addition of vegetable or animal fats. Today, arrowroot is grown on plantations in a number of tropical countries, including those in Africa.

In addition to its medicinal properties, arrowroot is also used in the food industry. Its tubers contain starch, which, when ground and dried, is used as an ingredient in baked goods, soups, sauces, ice cream, and various kinds of desserts and sweets. In most cases, this arrowroot starch is colourless and tasteless, so it does not affect the taste of the finished dish. The advantage is its easy digestibility and high nutritional value. It has also gained great popularity in the cosmetics industry, where it is used as an ingredient in powders and other skin products. Thanks to its texture, it can gently smooth the skin while absorbing excess oil.