Fire Cider is a traditional herbal folk remedy popularized by herbalists for its potent and health-boosting properties. This spicy, sweet, and tangy tonic is made from a variety of immune-boosting ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion, ginger, horseradish, and hot peppers, often sweetened with a touch of honey. Fire Cider is renowned for its ability to help ward off colds and flu, aid digestion, and boost circulation.
Recipe: Fire Cider
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup freshly grated ginger root
- 1/2 cup freshly grated horseradish root
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 10 cloves of garlic, crushed or chopped
- 2 jalapeño peppers, chopped, with seeds
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary leaves
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder or 1/2 cup chopped fresh turmeric root
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 cups of organic apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup raw honey, or to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Combine ginger, horseradish, onion, garlic, jalapeño peppers, lemon zest and juice, rosemary, turmeric, and cayenne pepper in a quart-sized glass jar.
- Add Vinegar:
- Pour the apple cider vinegar over the ingredients until completely submerged. Make sure the vinegar covers the ingredients by at least three to four inches because the mixture will expand as it ferments.
- Seal and Store:
- Seal the jar tightly with a plastic lid or place a piece of parchment paper under a metal lid to prevent corrosion from the vinegar. Shake well to mix the ingredients.
- Let it Infuse:
- Store the jar in a dark, cool place for a month, shaking it daily to mix the ingredients.
- Strain the Mixture:
- After one month, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve into another clean jar. Squeeze or press the pulp to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Add Honey:
- Add honey to the strained liquid and stir until fully dissolved. Adjust the sweetness to taste.
- Bottle and Store:
- Transfer the fire cider into clean bottles. Seal and store in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Take 1-2 tablespoons of Fire Cider daily to support immune function, or use it in cooking wherever you might use vinegar.
Fire Cider is a celebrated tonic in the herbal community for its ability to stimulate the immune system and offer a burst of energy. Its intense flavor is not only invigorating but can also be a wonderful culinary addition to your kitchen repertoire.
