McCormick Gumbo File has been renamed by McCormick as Zatarain's Gumbo File. Zatarain's is a brand of McCormick and Company; Gumbo Filé fit into their Zatarain's Product Line better than their McCormick Product Line.
Gumbo Filé is widely used in Louisana Cajun Cooking. It's made from dried Sassafras Tree Leaves, and is used to both flavor and thicken sauces and soups. Use to make authentic Cajun Gumbo soup. Use 1/4 tsp of Gumbo File per serving. Gumbo Filé has a flavor similar to thyme and savory. It has a characteristic citrus flavor. Gumbo Filé is dried, ground sassafras leaves. The tree is aromatic with yellow-green flowers and dark blue fruits with red stalks. The Sassafras tree has bright green leaves with three different hand like shapes, all appearing on the same sassafras tree.
The main use of Gumbo Filé is for Cajun and Creole gumbos. Gumbo File is usually added after gumbo has been removed from the heat, just before serving. Once filé has been added, the gumbo will not reheat or freeze well. Also, once filé is added, gumbo should not be allowed to boil as the filé will become very stringy. It is added when gumbo is still hot, near boiling, and left to stand 5 minutes before serving to incorporate the full flavor. Since gumbos are usually best when cooked and stored overnight, refrigerated, to allow flavors to blend, the filé should be added after the gumbo has been reheated to serve. Gumbo Filé can also be used to season fish, shellfish, poultry, game, savory dishes that require thickening, or any spice meat and/or vegetable stew; approximate use is 1/4 teaspoon per serving.
Net Weight: 12 oz 340 g.