10/19/2026
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) is a tree that was originally used as one of the primary flavorings for root b**r. Sassafras roots make a great tasting tea and taste very similar to root b**r on their own.
The young leaves of sassafras tastes a bit like fruit loops. The leaves are ground into a Cajun seasoning called file which is added to gumbo.
Sassafras root was a main ingredient in the mass production of root b**r until it was banned in 1960. It was banned because high concentrations of safrole were shown to be toxic to lab rats. However, there is a lot of controversy around this decision.
I personally consume sassafras root tea from time to time and had no ill effects. Sassafras leaves contain little to no safrole and are considered perfectly safe to consume.
