The ground, dried leaves of the sassafras tree, filé powder is an important constituent of Creole cookery.

A seasoning made of sassafras leaves. Filé is traditionally used to flavor and thicken Creole dishes, such as gumbo. Recipe: Chicken Gumbo

The ground leaves of the sassafras tree. Used as a thickener and flavouring agent in Creole and Cajun cooking. Filé powder should be stirred into a dish after it is removed from the heat as overcooking makes it stringy and tough.