Gumbo file powder, where can I buy locally?

[phylodog]

Ok INGO foodies, where can I find file powder locally? I've got a pile of leftover smoked chicken that would go nicely in a gumbo with smoked sausage. I've made gumbo without it and it's acceptable but it's just not quite "there" without the file. Anyone found it locally?

 

[littletommy]

The only place I've ever seen anything like that in this vast metropolis I live in, was at Meijer, in the international/specialty cooking aisle. The local one has a pretty good assortment of Cajun type spices.

 

[Fishersjohn48]

My first thought would be Trader Joes or one of the "whole, natural" food grocery stores. I know they all have large selection of bulk and packaged spices etc.

Fresh Market in Fishers and Carmel also has a BUNCH of spices etc.

 

[Bunnykid68]

Just Googling it, it looks like Walmart carries Zatarain's and Kroger carries some as well

 

[JettaKnight]

The last bottle I got was from Kroger.

 

[phylodog]

I've looked at the two Kroger stores that I frequent and have never found it, guess I'll try again. Thanks for the replies.

 

[mrjarrell]

Meijer or Wally World.

 

[BoomstickBuff]

I'm not sure how close you are to Castleton, and I'm not sure that I'd want to be in Castleton the day after Christmas, but there is a spice store there called Penzey's Spices. They have a great assortment of spices, herbs, blends, etc. - and I have bought gumbo file there before. Good luck...

 

[Kirk Freeman]

Did you check Broad Ripple?

Give Good Earth a call.

Good Earth Natural Foods - Broad Ripple - Indianapolis, IN

 

[Hammer]

Just go grind up some sassafras leaves.

Phy, if you cannot find the Filè, you can do an Okra gumbo.

 

[Southwind]

Forget the file and make a roux.

 

[phylodog]

I've already got the roux, I made more than I needed awhile back and I've been looking for an excuse to use it.

 

[revsaxon]

Not that its really local for you, but I always have good luck finding it at Tomb Thumb. Try your generic grocery store and the probably will have some in with the rest of the spices

 

[bobbittle]

Forget the file and make a roux.

Roux in gumbo is more for flavor than thickening. Gumbos are typically thickened with okra and/or filé powder.

 

[AGarbers]

I would offer you the chance to come out and gather sassafras leaves off the ground but I don't know if they would work for you. Other than that Jungle Jim's in Cincinnati would have it. If you have never been you would love it.