File powder

[FEE-lay]

File powder (pronounced [FEE-lay]) powder is one of the key ingredients in making gumbo and has a distinctive "root beer" flavor. File powder is made from the dried ground leaves of the sassafras tree. They were believed to have been first used by the Choctaw Indians from Louisiana bayou region.Today the powder is used to both thicken and flavor gumbo.

Where To Buy File Powder

You can find file powder in the seasoning section of most well-stocked grocery stores. Use up withing 6 months for best flavor and potency.  It can also be purchased online at  Amazon: Zatarain's Gumbo File

If you need an alternative for file powder you can use:

For thickening substitute you can use okra (typically included in Gumbo)

• OR> Cornstarch (lacks the root-beer like flavor)
• OR> Arrowroot powder (provides a clear product)