Make Your Own Fire Cider (New & Better Version)
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Some like it hot, and others get caught out by surprise (as you’ll see at the end…)
This hot and sweet, zesty, vinegary recipe is a popular herbal folk remedy, and the reason why is the apple cider vinegar infused with the spicy herbs, that makes it really very powerful, a mild tranquilizer, and an anti-inflammatory.
Drinking a shot of Fire cider is an easy and effective way to boost natural health processes; it stimulates digestion and leaves you nice and warmed up on a cold winter’s day.
What Is Fire Cider
Fire Cider is a tonic produced by steeping citrus, ginger, garlic, onions, horseradish, turmeric, and habanero peppers in apple cider vinegar for four to six weeks or more.
MORE: Probiotics: Benefits, Fermentation and Supplements
Fire Cider Recipe
Because this is a folk preparation, the ingredients can change from year to year depending on when you make it and what's growing around you. The standard base ingredients are apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion, ginger, horseradish, and hot peppers, but there are plenty of other herbs that can be thrown in for added kick.
My original recipe was a litte to fierce for most of us, so I found a new and better one in Holly Davis’ book “Ferment” and moved the first recipe down the page ↓.
The New Fire Cider Recipe:
“A warming immune-supportive tonic and effective digestive aid, this is also great for helping clear sinus problems and warding off flu and other winter ills. This recipe dates back to the days of the plague. Either take it as a shot or dilute it with warm water. Omit the chili if yu have digestive issues.”
- Holly Davis
Makes approximately 2 cups (500 ml)
Ready in 2-4 weeks
Equipment:
Ingredients:
1 oz. (30 g ) yellow onion
4-5 large garlic cloves, peeled
3 tbsp. grated horseradish root
3 tbsp. grated ginger
1 tbsp. grated turmeric root
Zest and juice of 1/4 large lemon
1 red chili, halved and seeded
1/4 cup (60) ml raw honey
2 cups (500 ml) apple cider vinegar, to cover
Directions:
Finely chop the yellow onion and garlic cloves.
Stir together all the ingredients except the vinegar in a very clean glass.
Top up with the apple cider vinegar, adding enough to completely cover all the ingredients.
Screw on the lid tightly.
Let sit at room temperatur (73-77 F / 23-25 C is ideal) for 2-4 weeks.
Shake the jar often (ideally once a day).
Strain the liquid into a bowl using a very fine-mesh sieve.
Decant the tonic into a glass jar og bottle and secure with an airtight lid.
Cover and keep in a cool, dark place for 12 month or more.
Tip: Try stirring a little of the tonic into a mayonnaise or salad dressing.
Ingredients:
1.5 inches fresh organic ginger root (grate)
1/4 cup organic horseradish root powder or fresh
1 medium organic onion, chopped
8 cloves of organic garlic, crushed or chopped
Zest and juice from 1 organic lemon
2 Tbsp. of dried rosemary leaves
1 Tbsp. organic turmeric powder
1 Tbsp. dried organic chili
1/4 tsp. organic cayenne powder
1/4 cup of raw honey, or to taste
Instructions:
Prepare your roots, fruits, and herbs and place them in a quart-sized glass jar.
Pour the apple cider vinegar in the jar until all of the ingredients are covered and the vinegar reaches the jar's top.
Use a piece of natural parchment paper under the lid to keep the vinegar from touching the metal, or a plastic lid if you have one.
Shake well.
Store in a dark, cool place for a month and remember to shake daily.
After one month, use cheesecloth to strain out the pulp, pouring the vinegar into a clean jar.
Add the honey and stir or shake until incorporated.
Taste
Herbal Ingredient Variations
These organic herbs and spices would make a wonderful addition to your Fire Cider creations.
Thyme, Horseradish Root Powder, Rosehips, Star Anise, Schisandra Berries, Astragalus, Parsley , Burdock, Oregano, Peppercorns, Beet Root Powder, Habanero Powder, Bird's Eye Chili Powder, Whole Chili Peppers, Orange, Grapefruit, Lime peels/or juice.
