What is Gumbo Filé powder made from?

Gumbo Filé is made by drying and finely grinding the leaves of the sassafras tree, Sassafras albidum. It contains no bark or roots, only the leaves.

Is sassafras safe to use in cooking?

Yes. The leaves used to make Filé powder do not contain safrole, the compound found in sassafras bark and roots that was once linked to health concerns. Ground leaves are perfectly safe for culinary use.

What flavor does Filé powder add to food?

Filé adds an earthy, herbal flavor often compared to a blend of thyme and savory. It gives gumbo and stews a traditional Louisiana taste.

How is Filé powder used in gumbo?

It is stirred in at the very end of cooking, after the pot is off the heat. If Filé is boiled it can make the gumbo stringy, so it's best added last or offered at the table. Common New Orleans table talk: "Could you please pass the Fil&eacute?"

Can Filé be used as a thickener?

Yes. Filé thickens soups, stews, and sauces naturally. Add a small amount, stir well, and let it rest a few minutes to reach full thickness.

Who first used Filé powder in cooking?

The Choctaw Indians were using ground sassafras leaves long before the Cajuns arrived from Acadia in the 1600s. It later became a hallmark of Creole and Cajun cuisine.

What are some other ways to use Filé powder?

Sprinkle a pinch into hearty stews, sauces, or even over rice or meats for extra flavor. Many Louisiana cooks keep it on the table beside the Tabasco so guests can season to taste.

Product Information

Zatarain's Gumbo File 12oz 340g

Formerly known as McCormick Gumbo File

Price: $27.91USD

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Zatarain's Gumbo File 12oz 340g

Zatarain's Gumbo Filé is a widely spice 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.

Ingredients: Ground Sassafras Leaves. OU Certified Kosher

Net Weight: 12 oz 340g

Tiered Product Pricing
Quantity	Description	Price
Each	Unit Price	$27.91USD
6	6 or More	$26.29USD
24	24 or More	$25.47USD

Zatarain's Item Code: 900398279

Gross Weight: 0.90 lbs.

UPC Code: 71429 01101

GTIN 12: 071429011014

Product Ingredient Lists and Nutrition Facts, when provided, are for your convenience. We at Spice Place make every effort to insure accuracy of the ingredients listed. However, because manufacturers may change formulations, persons with food allergies should always check actual package label.

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Zatarain's Gumbo File 12oz 340g - FAQ

Q: What is Gumbo Filé powder made from?: A: Gumbo Filé is made by drying and finely grinding the leaves of the sassafras tree, Sassafras albidum. It contains no bark or roots, only the leaves.
Q: Is sassafras safe to use in cooking?: A: Yes. The leaves used to make Filé powder do not contain safrole, the compound found in sassafras bark and roots that was once linked to health concerns. Ground leaves are perfectly safe for culinary use.
Q: What flavor does Filé powder add to food?: A: Filé adds an earthy, herbal flavor often compared to a blend of thyme and savory. It gives gumbo and stews a traditional Louisiana taste.
Q: How is Filé powder used in gumbo?: A: It is stirred in at the very end of cooking, after the pot is off the heat. If Filé is boiled it can make the gumbo stringy, so it's best added last or offered at the table. Common New Orleans table talk: "Could you please pass the Filé?"
Q: Can Filé be used as a thickener?: A: Yes. Filé thickens soups, stews, and sauces naturally. Add a small amount, stir well, and let it rest a few minutes to reach full thickness.
Q: Who first used Filé powder in cooking?: A: The Choctaw Indians were using ground sassafras leaves long before the Cajuns arrived from Acadia in the 1600s. It later became a hallmark of Creole and Cajun cuisine.
Q: What are some other ways to use Filé powder?: A: Sprinkle a pinch into hearty stews, sauces, or even over rice or meats for extra flavor. Many Louisiana cooks keep it on the table beside the Tabasco so guests can season to taste.

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