Gumbo File

Gumbo file is a traditional Louisiana seasoning made from the dried, ground leaves of the sassafras tree (Sassafras albidum). The leaves are typically harvested, dried, and then ground into a fine powder. It has a unique, earthy, and slightly peppery flavor.

Manufacturers use gumbo file primarily as a flavoring agent and thickener in Creole and Cajun cuisine, most famously in gumbo. It adds a distinct flavor profile and helps to give gumbo its characteristic rich texture. It is also sometimes used in rubs, stews, and other savory dishes.

Gumbo file is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food seasoning. Sassafras contains safrole, a compound that has raised concerns in the past. However, the levels of safrole in gumbo file are typically very low due to processing and the part of the plant used. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated sassafras and safrole, with varying conclusions on safe intake levels for safrole itself. At the low levels found in gumbo file, it is not considered a health concern for most people.