Arrowroot Starch (Maranta arundinacea)
At Sun Green Farms, we grow Maranta arundinacea, an arrowroot plant commonly known as Vellakkoova (വെള്ളക്കൂവ) in Kerala and West Indian arrowroot in other parts of the world.
The rhizomes are grown naturally on our farm in Kerala and processed by us using the traditional wet-extraction method to produce pure arrowroot starch.
For us, arrowroot is more than a crop. It is part of a traditional food culture that has been familiar to generations of Kerala families.
The extracted starch is traditionally cooked with water or milk to make simple preparations such as koova kurukku or koova kanji or arrowroot porridge.
From planting and harvesting the rhizomes to extracting, drying, sieving and packing the starch, the entire process is carried out with care at Sun Green Farms.
The Arrowroot We Grow at Sun Green Farms
Several different plants are commonly referred to as "arrowroot".
The species grown at Sun Green Farms is Maranta arundinacea, a perennial plant that produces underground rhizomes rich in starch.
We cultivate the crop using natural farming practices without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
After reaching maturity, the rhizomes are harvested and processed to separate the fine white starch from the fibrous plant material.
The resulting product is arrowroot starch, rather than flour made by simply drying and grinding the whole rhizome.
Maranta arundinacea
Harvested arrowroot
Arrowroot Starch, kept for drying
How We Make Arrowroot Starch?
Producing arrowroot starch is a traditional and time-intensive process.
After harvesting, the arrowroot rhizomes are thoroughly cleaned and crushed into a pulp.
The pulp is mixed with water and filtered to separate the fibrous material from the starch-containing liquid.
The starch is allowed to settle naturally, and the water above it is carefully drained away. We then add fresh, filtered water, mix the settled starch, and allow it to settle again.
The water turns light green as it draws out the stain from the rhizomes.
We repeat this washing and settling process several times to remove the stain and achieve the starch’s bright white colour.
The starch is then drained and dried in our in-house solar dryer.
Its enclosed design allows the starch to dry using solar heat while protecting it from airborne dust and other impurities.
Removing the stain is a key difference between extracting arrowroot starch and simply cutting, drying, and powdering the rhizomes. The stain can sometimes irritate the bowel.
Process: Harvest → Clean → Crush → Wash and filter → Settle → Wash and settle repeatedly to remove the stain → Drain → Dry → Sieve → Pack
Packaging at Sun Green Farms
Once thoroughly dried, the arrowroot starch is gently pounded to
break any clumps and then finely sieved to achieve a smooth,
uniform texture. This step not only enhances its appearance but
also improves solubility in food preparations. The final product
is carefully packed in
moisture-resistant, heat-sealed pouches made of
kraft paper with a food-grade PE or foil lining. Each pouch is equipped with a
zip-lock closure, allowing consumers to
conveniently reseal the pack after opening—ensuring freshness
and hygiene during repeated use. While traditionally arrowroot
starch can be stored for over two years, we recommend using it
within one year for optimal freshness and quality. For storage
beyond six months, it is advisable to transfer the contents to
an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place.
Certification and Lab Testing
Arrowroot starch from Sun Green Farms is
certified by FSSAI (Registration No: 30260327123892090),
confirming that it meets the highest standards of
purity, safety, and quality. As per
FSSAI guidelines outlined in
Chapter 2 (Food Product Standards), Section 4 (Cereals and
Cereal Products), Item 14 (Starchy Foods)
, several mandatory quality and safety parameters must be
fulfilled to obtain certification. Additionally, our product
complies with the
Indian Standard IS 1006:1984 – Specification for Arrowroot
Starch
. We are proud to confirm that
Sun Green Farms’ Arrowroot Starch has successfully passed
100% of these tests
, as conducted by an
FSSAI-approved laboratory. A copy of the
lab test report is available and can be shared
upon request for anyone wishing to verify the product’s quality
and regulatory compliance.
Test Parameters required by FSSAI are as below:
Arrowroot Starch vs Arrowroot Powder
The terms arrowroot starch and arrowroot powder are often used interchangeably in shops, recipes and product descriptions.
Therefore, the name "arrowroot powder" does not necessarily mean that the whole rhizome has simply been ground into powder.
The Sun Green Farms product is specifically a wet-extracted arrowroot starch.
We crush the fresh Maranta arundinacea rhizomes and repeatedly wash and filter the material so that the starch can be separated from the fibrous portion.
The extracted starch is then dried and finely sieved.
For this reason, we describe our product as Arrowroot Starch.
Why Choose Arrowroot Starch?
- Arrowroot starch is a light, gluten-free alternative that is low in fat and remarkably easy to digest, making it suitable for people of all ages. Traditionally valued as a weaning food for infants, it is gentle on the stomach and free from common allergens.
- Being naturally gluten-free, arrowroot is a safe choice for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It also contains resistant starch, which functions like soluble fiber — nourishing beneficial gut bacteria and supporting overall digestive health.
- In many traditional practices, arrowroot gruel or starch water is given to help manage diarrhea and soothe the gut. Despite being low in calories, arrowroot provides a sense of fullness, making it a smart addition to balanced and weight-conscious diets.
Traditional Ways to Prepare Arrowroot Starch
Arrowroot starch has traditionally been cooked into simple foods and drinks.
In Kerala, it is commonly prepared as koova kurukku or koova kanji, while similar preparations may be described elsewhere as arrowroot gruel, arrowroot porridge or arrowroot drink..
Explore traditional arrowroot starch foods →
Explore traditional arrowroot starch foods →
Is All Arrowroot the Same?
No. Arrowroot is a common name used for starch obtained from several rhizomatous plants.
Similarly, in Kerala, the name koova (കൂവ) can refer to different plants, so the local name alone does not always identify the botanical species.
At Sun Green Farms, we grow Maranta arundinacea, commonly known in Kerala as Vellakkoova (വെള്ളക്കൂവ) or Bilathikkoova (ബിലാത്തിക്കൂവ), and also locally referred to as Rajakkoova (രാജക്കൂവ).
Our Arrowroot Starch is traditionally extracted specifically from this plant.
Learn more about the different plants known as arrowroot and koova →
Learn more about the different plants known as arrowroot and koova →
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is arrowroot starch good for babies?
Yes, arrowroot starch is highly digestible and traditionally used as a weaning food.
Q: Is arrowroot starch gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free.
Q: Difference between powder and starch?
Powder contains fiber, starch is purified and easier to digest.
Q: How to store?
Store in airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Yes, arrowroot starch is highly digestible and traditionally used as a weaning food.
Q: Is arrowroot starch gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free.
Q: Difference between powder and starch?
Powder contains fiber, starch is purified and easier to digest.
Q: How to store?
Store in airtight container in a cool, dry place.
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