How Do You Make New Orleans Gumbo File Powder?
File Powder is an essential ingredient in New Orleans cooking. There is no need to buy file (pronounced “filay”) powder from a gourmet shop. You can make your own to have on hand for the flavor of New Orleans any time. To get that distinctive smoky flavor and special texture of real New Orleans Gumbo, you need File powder. First you need to find a stand of the short Sassafras trees. Sassafras grows in undisturbed old oak forests all over the United States, not just near New Orleans! It is easy to identify by it’s three oddly shaped leaves and it’s “root beer” scent. Look for the mitten shaped leaf, the two lobed leaf and the single leaf. When you are sure you have found Sassafras, scratch the bark. If it smells like root beer, it’s Sassafras Collect fresh clean leaves. Make sure there are no insects on them. Collect the leaves but do not pull out the tree. Sassafras is a treasure, and the Native Americans taught the original Cajuns many uses for it. Wash the leaves and let them dry on
