File Powder (ounce)

File Powder, File Gumbo, File Spice and Gumbo File Powder, all different names for the same wonderful ground up sassafras leaves used almost exclusively in thickening gumbo. Ground sassafras is called File Powder because of the French word the name comes from. This particular File Powder is a blend of ground sassafras and ground thyme. File Powder is distinctly astringent smelling, with a flavor that is reminiscent of anise. Its bitter and somewhat lemony. File Powder should be used sparingly as it is very potent. If you add too much, cook it for too long, or cook it at too high a heat, your dish will likely turn stringy, gummy, and glue-like! Most people prefer to add File Powder at the end of cooking, after the dish has been removed from the source of heat so only the residual heat is activating the thickening powers of the File. It usually only takes about 5 minutes to thicken up a gumbo, so you dont have to be too patient in waiting to eat it! Sourced from the USA.