In Louisiana gumbo, what spice is made from ground sassafras leaves?

In Louisiana gumbo, the spice made from ground sassafras leaves is filé powder.

Filé powder is produced from dried and ground leaves of the sassafras tree. In Louisiana cooking, it can be stirred into gumbo as a seasoning and thickener, often near the end of cooking or at the table. Its flavor is herbal and distinctive, and it contributes a characteristic texture when used appropriately.

Filé powder is one of several traditional ways to thicken gumbo. Other versions rely on roux, okra, or combinations of these ingredients. It is particularly associated with Choctaw culinary knowledge and Louisiana’s blended food traditions. The ingredient should not be confused with cayenne, which supplies heat, or with gumbo filé as a separate dish; filé is a seasoning used in dishes such as gumbo.