Sassafras oil

Sassafras oil used in small doses is pleasant in tea, jelly, sauces, syrups, and baked goods. Today, sassafras oil is probably most famous as the twang in homemade root beer and certain microbrews. Complementing flavors include ginger, wintergreen oil, and maple powder.

Turn to gumbo file sassafras leaves when creating gumbo soups, Cajun stews, and spicy rice dishes.