Fire Cider
Fire Cider: A Traditional Herbal Tonic
Fire cider is a bold, warming herbal tonic made with fresh roots, herbs, spices, citrus, and apple cider vinegar. It has long been used as a seasonal wellness drink, especially during the colder months.
The combination of garlic, ginger, turmeric, horseradish, peppers, citrus, and herbs creates a spicy, tangy blend that can be taken by the spoonful or added to warm water, tea, dressings, or marinades.
Ingredients
2 heads garlic, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup fresh ginger, chopped
1/2 cup fresh turmeric, chopped, or 2 tablespoons dried turmeric
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup fresh horseradish, chopped
2 to 4 hot peppers, such as jalapeño or cayenne, chopped
1 lemon, sliced
1 orange, sliced
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, crushed
1 to 2 cinnamon sticks
5 to 6 whole cloves
A few sprigs of fresh thyme, optional
Raw apple cider vinegar, enough to completely cover the ingredients
Honey, to taste after straining
Directions
Add the garlic, ginger, turmeric, onion, horseradish, peppers, lemon, orange, black peppercorns, cinnamon, cloves, and thyme to a clean wide-mouth glass jar.
Pour raw apple cider vinegar over the ingredients until everything is completely covered. Leave a little room at the top of the jar.
Seal the jar with a nonreactive lid. If using a metal lid, place a piece of parchment paper between the jar and the lid to prevent the vinegar from reacting with the metal.
Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 3 to 4 weeks. Shake the jar daily.
After steeping, strain out the solids.
Stir in honey to taste.
Transfer the finished fire cider to a clean jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator.
How to Use Fire Cider
Fire cider can be taken in small amounts or used as a flavorful addition to food and drinks. Try 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time, or mix it into warm water or tea. It also works well in salad dressings, marinades, sauces, and soups.
Because this recipe contains hot peppers and fresh horseradish, wearing gloves while chopping the ingredients is a good idea.
A Quick Note
Fire cider is a traditional food-based tonic, not a substitute for medical care. If you have digestive issues, take medications that may interact with ingredients such as garlic or turmeric, or have another medical concern, check with your healthcare provider before using it regularly.
