File powder

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.

Substitute For File Powder

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

• For a thickening substitute you can use okra (typically included in Gumbo).  You'll need about 2 cups to replace 1 tablespoon of file powder.
• OR - Use cornstarch (lacks the root-beer like flavor).  You'll need to mix 2 teaspoons with about 1 tablespoon of water to replace 1 tablespoon of file powder.
• OR - Arrowroot powder (provides a clear product).  Although probably not ideal, you could use arrowroot powder at the rate of 2 teaspoons per cup of liquid you need to thicken.  Use it shortly before serving.

Where To Buy File Powder