Job:07-61264 Title:RacePoint - Herb and Spice Companion
Dtp:VIVIAN Page:132
Job:07-61264 Title:RacePoint - Herb and Spice Companion
Dtp:VIVIAN Page:13361264 - Herb and Spice Companion_001-145.indd 133 3/7/15 5:11 pm
(Text)ExOTIC HERBS- 133 –
Plant: Seeds, root cuttings, or young plants. Seeds
need to be stratified for at least 4 months in order to
germinate (see page 14).
Water: Regularly when young, less frequently when
established; mature sassafras is drought tolerant.
Harvest: Pick leaves or snip whole branches.
Care: Trim around the tree to prevent the growth of
“suckers,” which will turn into multiple trunks. Or let them grow in for a shrub rather
than a tree.Keep It Fresh
Use dry leaves or sprigs to make filé
powder (see the directions on page 20).In the Kitchen
Dishes: Gumbo
Prep: To make filé powder, crush dried
leaves in your hand, then crush into a
powder using a mortar and pestle or
food processor. Strain to remove large
pieces and stems.
Serve: Sprinkle filé powder into gum-
bos just before serving, after the pot is
removed from heat, and stir well.SUBSTITUTIONS
- Cornstarch
- Okra
PAIRINGS
Since filé is really only used to
make gumbo, these pairings
include typical gumbo ingredients.
Vegetables: artichokes, carrots,
celery, collard greens, corn,
mushrooms, mustard greens,
okra, onions, peppers, tomatoes
Proteins: bacon, crab, crawfish,
fish, ham, pork, sausage, shrimp,
turkey
Seasonings: allspice, basil, bay
leaf, Cajun seasoning, cayenne,
chili peppers, cloves, cumin,
garlic, jalapeño, lemon juice,
mustard, old bay seasoning,
oregano, paprika, parsley, pepper,
sage, thyme, Worcestershire sauceJob:07-61264 Title:RacePoint - Herb and Spice Companion
Dtp:VIVIAN Page:132
Job:07-61264 Title:RacePoint - Herb and Spice Companion
Dtp:VIVIAN Page:13361264 - Herb and Spice Companion_001-145.indd 133 3/7/15 5:12 pm