File Powder

Filé powder is also known as filé, gumbo filé, ground sassa-fras leaves and filé powder.

Filé powder can be found in the spice area of most food markets. It should be stored in a cool, dark place for no more than 6 months.

Choctaw Indians from the Louisiana bayou country are said to be the first to use this seasoning made from the ground, dried leaves of the sassafras tree.

Filé powder has become an integral ingredient of Creole cuisine.

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Filé powder is made form ground sassafras leaves that was used to give root beer its distinctive flavor before artificial flavorings replaced it. Southerners add filé to their gumbos to thicken and flavor them.

The powder gets stringy when it's heated, so add it only after you've removed the gumbo from the heat source. Filé also doesn't reheat well, so add only to the gumbo that you are planning to serve.