Categories: Spices

Cuisines: Canadian/American

Source: United States

Filé powder is essential in authentic Cajun cuisine. It is made from the dried leaves of the sassafras tree, and tastes a bit like root beer. Filé powder is often referred to as “gumbo filé” because it is commonly used to thicken and flavour gumbos, which is especially necessary if you’re not using fresh okra (which contains a substance that usually thickens the gumbo). You don’t want to cook filé powder as it will quickly become gooey and stringy. It’s best to add it to the pot after it has been removed from the heat, or even to stir a small spoonful into each bowl after it has been served. Our gumbo filé contains ground sassafras leaves with a bit of thyme for extra flavour.