Gentle Goodness from Kerala: Arrowroot Powder for Your Little One!
Introducing the purest nourishment for your 6-month-old baby – Arrowroot Powder from the heart of Kerala! This incredibly fine, silky-smooth powder, extracted from the humble arrowroot plant, is the ultimate first food for tiny tummies. With its naturally bland taste and light texture, it’s remarkably easy for babies to digest, making it a soothing and gentle introduction to solids. Known for centuries in traditional Indian households, our arrowroot powder is a testament to natural goodness, offering a pure, unadulterated option free from common allergens. It blends seamlessly into various baby-friendly recipes, ensuring your little one gets a wholesome start on their culinary journey.
Health Benefits for Infants:
Arrowroot powder is a fantastic choice for infants due to its high digestibility and gentle nature. It’s particularly beneficial for soothing upset stomachs and can help with mild diarrhea by absorbing excess fluid. Its natural, unrefined quality ensures no harsh chemicals or additives are introduced to a baby’s delicate system. While primarily a carbohydrate for energy, it also provides trace amounts of essential minerals and folate, crucial for healthy growth and development. It’s also naturally gluten-free, making it a safe option for babies with sensitivities.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate values per 100g – for adult consumption, adjust portion for infants):
For a 6-month-old, only very small quantities will be used. These values are for 100g of dry powder.
Energy: 337-359 kcal
Protein: 0.35-1.04 g
Total Fat: 0.19-1.01 g
Carbohydrates: 79-80.52 g
Dietary Fiber: 0.22-5.3 g (including resistant starch)
Potassium: approx. 454 mg
Folate (Vitamin B9): approx. 338 µg (significant for development)
Iron: 0.4-2.34 mg
Magnesium: 25-37.10 mg
Calcium: 6-26.20 mg
Various Recipes with Arrowroot Powder for Infants (6 Months+):
Remember to always start with single-ingredient purees and introduce new foods one at a time, waiting a few days to check for any reactions. Consult your pediatrician before introducing any new foods.
Simple Arrowroot Porridge (Koozh/Kurukku):
Mix 1-2 teaspoons of arrowroot powder with a quarter cup of cold water or breast milk/formula until dissolved.
Gradually heat the mixture over a low flame, stirring continuously until it thickens into a clear, glossy, smooth porridge.
Let it cool to lukewarm before serving. No added salt or sugar for 6 months.
Fruit-Arrowroot Puree:
Prepare a fruit puree (e.g., steamed apple, pear, or mashed banana).
If the puree is too thin, stir in a tiny pinch (less than 1/4 teaspoon) of arrowroot powder dissolved in a little cold water. Heat gently for a minute until slightly thickened.
Vegetable-Arrowroot Puree:
Steam and mash vegetables like sweet potato, carrot, or pumpkin.
If a thicker consistency is desired, follow the same method as the fruit-arrowroot puree, dissolving a tiny amount of arrowroot powder and gently heating.
Triple Power Porridge:
Arrowroot, Ragi & Moong Dal for Babies (7+ Months)
This porridge combines the easy digestibility of arrowroot with the iron and calcium of ragi, and the protein power of moong dal. It’s a fantastic, balanced meal for babies around 7 months and older, once they’ve been introduced to each ingredient individually.
Yields: 1-2 servingsPrep time: 5 minutesCook time: 10-15 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon Ragi (Finger Millet) flour (preferably sprouted ragi flour for better digestibility)
1 tablespoon Moong Dal (Yellow Split Lentil) powder (you can dry roast and grind moong dal at home, or use store-bought baby moong dal powder)
1 teaspoon Arrowroot Powder
1 cup Water or Baby’s Formula/Breast Milk
Optional: A tiny pinch of cardamom powder (for flavor, if desired and if introduced)
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon Ghee (clarified butter) – for babies above 8 months to enhance flavor and provide healthy fats.
Instructions:
Prepare the Slurry: In a small bowl, combine the ragi flour, moong dal powder, and arrowroot powder. Add about 1/4 cup of the water (or milk) and mix well with a spoon or whisk until there are no lumps and you have a smooth slurry.
Heat the Liquid: In a small saucepan, bring the remaining 3/4 cup of water (or milk) to a gentle boil over medium-low heat.
Combine & Thicken: Once the liquid is simmering, slowly pour the prepared slurry into the saucepan, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
Cook Thoroughly: Continue stirring constantly on a low flame. The mixture will begin to thicken quickly. Keep stirring and cooking for about 5-7 minutes. Ragi needs to be cooked well to remove its raw taste and ensure proper digestion. The arrowroot will make it smooth and glossy.
Add Optional Ingredients (if using): If adding cardamom powder or ghee, stir them in during the last minute of cooking.
Check Consistency: The porridge should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more warm water or milk until you reach the desired consistency.
Cool & Serve: Remove from heat and let the porridge cool down to a lukewarm temperature before serving to your baby. Always check the temperature before feeding.
Important Notes for Infant Feeding:
Consult Your Pediatrician: Always consult your pediatrician before introducing new foods to your baby, especially specific grains and legumes.
Introduce Ingredients Individually First: Before making this combined porridge, ensure your baby has been individually introduced to and tolerated ragi, moong dal, and arrowroot powder without any adverse reactions. Wait 3-5 days after introducing each new food.
No Added Salt or Sugar: Do not add salt, sugar, or honey to baby food for infants under 1 year.
Consistency: Adjust the consistency to your baby’s age and eating abilities. For younger babies, keep it thinner; for older babies, you can make it thicker.
Storage: Prepare fresh for each meal. Do not store leftovers for long periods.
Hygiene: Maintain strict hygiene when preparing baby food.
This “Triple Power Porridge” provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates for energy, protein for growth, and essential minerals, making it a wonderful addition to your baby’s diet!
7 Key Highlighting Points:
Perfect First Food: Exceptionally gentle and easy for a 6-month-old’s developing digestive system.
Naturally Gluten-Free & Allergen-Friendly: A safe choice for babies with sensitivities to common allergens.
Neutral Taste: Blends effortlessly with breast milk, formula, or fruit/veg purees without altering their flavor.
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