The story of Sassafras Farms is deeply tied to heritage, healing, and the powerful connection between land and identity. The name reflects a journey that begins in New Orleans, a place where the founder spent her formative college years. It was there, in the heart of the Crescent City, that she found herself immersed in the culture, flavors, and history that sparked her love for the land and all it could offer.

 

In New Orleans, gumbo was more than just a dish—it was a symbol of culture and connection. The use of filé powder, made from ground sassafras leaves, gave the gumbo its rich, earthy flavor. Filé had a way of tying all the diverse elements of the dish together, much like the founder’s own life. It represented the blending of African, Native American, and European traditions, and its use in everyday meals was a reminder of the power of nature in nourishing and healing.

 

Sassafras, with its deep roots in both culinary and medicinal practices, became a central part of the farm’s ethos. As the founder studied herbal medicine and connected with her African ancestry, she realized that sassafras was more than just an ingredient—it was a healer. Traditionally used by Indigenous and African communities for its medicinal properties, the plant embodied resilience and the power of nature to heal both body and spirit. This understanding deepened her connection to the land, which she saw as a living, breathing source of wellness and strength.

 

Sassafras Farms was born from this deep connection to nature, rooted in African traditions that honor the earth and the powerful women who have always worked it. The farm became a space where this legacy could thrive—a place of cultivation, healing, and renewal. Each seed planted and herb harvested carried with it the spirit of the women who came before, those who tilled the land with strength, wisdom, and grace. Just like the sassafras tree, the farm's mission was to grow strong, offering its healing power to the community.

 

In every way, Sassafras Farms represents a return to roots—both literal and metaphorical. It honors the African ancestry of its founder, the traditions of the women who passed down their knowledge of the land, and the strength they embodied. The farm serves as a beacon of resilience and empowerment, where healing and growth come from the earth, and the strength of one’s roots guides the journey forward.

 

At Sassafras Farms, the land isn’t just a place—it’s a source of strength, healing, and connection. Like the sassafras tree that inspired its name, the farm stands strong, grounded in tradition, and committed to nurturing both the earth and the community that surrounds it.

With Love, 
Gisele Goff