Ground Sassafras
What is Ground Sassafras?
Ground sassafras is a spice made from the dried and powdered bark or roots of the sassafras tree. This tree is native to eastern North America and eastern Asia. It is traditionally used as a thickening agent and flavoring.
Is Ground Sassafras vegan?
Ground Sassafras is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Ground Sassafras a major allergen?
Not a major allergen.
What is Ground Sassafras used for?
It is primarily used as a flavoring agent, especially in traditional Cajun and Creole dishes like gumbo, where it is known as filé powder.
Is Ground Sassafras safe?
The FDA considers safrole, a natural compound found in sassafras bark and root, to be a potential carcinogen.
Why it's used
It is primarily used as a flavoring agent, especially in traditional Cajun and Creole dishes like gumbo, where it is known as filé powder. It adds a distinct earthy and slightly citrusy flavor. It can also be used as a thickener.
Health notes
The FDA considers safrole, a natural compound found in sassafras bark and root, to be a potential carcinogen. For this reason, the FDA prohibits the use of sassafras bark and oil containing safrole as food additives. IARC classifies safrole as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). JECFA has evaluated safrole and concluded it is not appropriate for use as a food additive. While traditional uses exist, modern food regulations restrict the use of sassafras bark and root due to safety concerns related to safrole; however, safrole-free sassafras extracts are permitted.
Allergen info
Not a major allergen.
Foods that contain Ground Sassafras
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