Arrowroot, also known by the scientific name Maranta arundinacea L., is a tropical root vegetable. Its farming is quickly becoming a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture in Kenya, thanks to its versatility and nutritional richness. This resilient crop guarantees you a dependable yield even in unpredictable climates. Therefore, learning how arrowroot farming is done is a healthy option for consumers and a profitable venture for farmers seeking alternatives to traditional crops.
Arrow roots in Swahili are called wanga. They are popular in rural areas for breakfast and sometimes cooked with other foods. With its growing demand in local markets, arrowroot is now gaining traction as a potential cash crop. So, how is this crop grown, and what are its nutritional benefits?
Best practices for growing arrow roots
These are starchy tubers commonly grown in tropical regions like Kenya. Known for their mild flavour, they can be boiled, roasted, or ground into flour for use in various dishes.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to grow arrowroots:
Step 1: Select a suitable location
Choose an area with well-drained, loamy soil or near a water source like a riverbank or wetland. Nduma requires a uniform rainfall distribution and a soil pH of between 5.5 and 6.5.
Step 2: Prepare the soil
Dig shallow trenches or ridges with a spacing of 9 by 9 inches to plant the arrowroot tubers. To increase the farm’s productivity, the gap should contain 150 ml of organic fertiliser.
Step 3: Plant the tubers
Place the tubers about 30 cm apart in the prepared trenches, with the buds facing upwards.
Step 4: Water regularly
Water the crop consistently, especially during the early growth stages. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. If the beds were planted during the dry season, mulch them to prevent evaporation.
Step 5: Weed the area
Regularly remove weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and ensure optimal growth.
Step 6: Monitor growth
Keep an eye on the crop, ensuring it gets sufficient water and is free from pests or diseases. Some of the common pests and diseases you ought to worry about are:
- Banded Leaf Blight: This disease causes rotten leaves. You can control it by foliar spraying using fungicides like Cooper, Maneb, and ZIneb.
- Bacterial Wilt. This affects the vascular system of the roots. Avoid areas that have been previously infected, or burn the infected plants as soon as they are spotted.
- Leaf Mosaic Disease: This disease is caused by aphids that transmit the disease from infected plants. In this case, insecticidal Soap sprays should be used early in the season before high aphid numbers are spotted.Â
How long does it take to harvest arrow roots?
Depending on your plant variety, arrowroots should be ready for harvesting within 8-12 months. For higher yields, harvesting the roots after the 11th month is typically advisable. The ideal harvest time is when the leaves turn yellow and shrink.
What is the difference between yams and arrow roots?
Although yams and arrowroots are tuberous crops, they differ in several ways. Here’s a table comparing the key differences between arrow roots and yams:
| Characteristic | Arrowroots | Yams |
| Size | Rich in fibre, potassium, and B vitamins | Larger, can grow up to several feet |
| Skin Texture | Smooth, pale skin | Rough, bark-like skin |
| Flesh Colour | White or light beige | Varies: white, purple, or yellow |
| Texture | Fine, powdery texture | Starchy, drier texture |
| Taste | Mild, slightly sweet | Earthy, more robust and sometimes sweet |
| Nutritional Focus | Rich in fibre, potassium, and B-vitamins | High in carbohydrates and dietary fibre |
| Soil Type | Well-drained loamy soils | Loose textured sandy-loamy soil |
What is arrowroot good for?
Arrowroots’ benefits are diverse, and understanding their nutritional value is essential. According to MedicalNewsToday, below are some general nutrient compositions found in arrowroots.
- Calories- 357
- Fibre- 3.4g
- Protein- 0.3g
- Carbohydrates- 88.2g
- Calcium- 40 mg
- Magnesium- 3mg
- Fat-0.1g
Some of the health benefits arrowroots offers include the following:
- Improved digestion due to the high fibre content.
- Promotes gut health.
- It eliminates heart-related problems as it is rich in potassium.
- Enhances good blood circulation.
- It contains essential nutrients like potassium, iron, and B vitamins, which support energy production and overall well-being.
- Aids in weight loss.
- Prevent gastrointestinal discomfort and pain.
- It may lower cholesterol levels, hence improving kidney health.
- May fight diarrhoea.
- It improves metabolism due to the high concentration of vitamin B.
Arrowroot is also used as a thickening agent in soups, sauces, puddings, jellies, and baked goods like cakes and cookies. It can also substitute for wheat flour in gluten-free recipes.
How to store arrow roots in the fridge
To store arrowroots in the fridge, clean them thoroughly, removing dirt. Then, place them in a perforated plastic bag or wrap them loosely in a damp cloth. This helps retain moisture while preventing mould. Properly stored, arrowroots can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
What does arrowroot cure?
Arrowroot has been traditionally believed to help alleviate digestive issues, such as diarrhoea and indigestion. Due to its high starch content, it calms the stomach lining. Some cultures also use it to soothe minor wounds or skin irritations by applying it.
What are the side effects of arrowroot?
Arrowroot is generally safe and well-tolerated by most people. However, excessive consumption may lead to digestive issues like bloating or mild constipation due to its high fibre content. People with certain medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), may need to moderate their intake. As with any food, it is best to consume arrowroots in balanced amounts.
With the above information, you can quickly grow arrowroots and enjoy their endless benefits. Remember to apply the correct planting techniques and monitor your nduma’s growth. Your health is sure to improve, and you will have a reliable source of nutrition that supports your well-being and the sustainability of your farming practices.
