Ancient medicine that has been passed down through the generations, fire cider, is one natural remedy we should all know how to make in our own homes (along with elderberry syrup).
Zesty, zippy, fiery, sweet, there’s a firework-like experience of flavors happening here. Fire cider is essentially a combination of highly therapeutic powerhouse ingredients infused in raw, apple cider vinegar for 4-6 weeks. Strain it and you’ve just made medicine at home worthy of adding to your daily regime or taking for acute care. Think: keeping cold and flu bugs at bay, digestive support (taken 20 min before meals), help with allergies and sinus congestion. It’ll warm you up from the inside out in the colder months, reducing inflammation, improving circulation, nourishing and boosting your natural immune defenses.
If you want to learn more about the origins and deeply healing benefits of this tonic, check out this guide by Rosemary Gladstar.
Here’s the recipe for those who just want to get to it.
Classic Fire Cider
1/4 cup grated or roughly chopped, organic ginger root
1 small-medium organic onion, chopped
1 medium bulb or 10-12 cloves of garlic, roughly chopped
1-2 tablespoons horseradish, roughly chopped
1-2 jalapeno peppers, roughly chopped
2 tbsp chopped organic turmeric root, or 1 TBS turmeric powder
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary or 2-3 tbsp dried rosemary
zest and juice from 1 organic lemon
organic, raw apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup raw honey, optional and to taste
**The amounts listed are flexible. Some people like to add more hot peppers to their cider; some like to add more herbs like parsley or oregano. Spices like black pepper and cinnamon. If you prefer more or less of something, do what sounds good to you.
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a quart-sized mason jar except for the vinegar and honey. Pour the vinegar over the ingredients filling ½” to the top of the jar. Place a small piece of natural parchment paper between the lid and cider to protect the cider from reacting with metal. Store it in a cool, dry, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Each day or so, give it a loving shake to help the fire cider better infuse. After 1 month, strain it and reserve the infused liquid in a clean, sealed jar. Add raw honey to taste if desired and store in your refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Makes 1 quart jar.
A few ways to enjoy and incorporate your cider daily:
Straight shooter: take a shot, 1 tablespoon (take a swig of water after and rinse out your mouth)
A little less intense: dilute it with warm water or apple cider (this also helps protect the enamel on your teeth)
In your cooking:
Combine it with an unrefined olive oil and make your own salad dressings
Use it as the vinegar part in marinades
Add a splash to soups, stews, and cooked veggies for brightness and some zip!
Rough night: double up your shot in the morning for a hangover remedy.
