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As the chill of fall approaches, there has never been a better time to craft a vibrant tonic that not only warms your senses but also fortifies your health. Fire cider is a zesty, invigorating brew that stands as somewhat of a legend among herbalists and homesteaders.
This spirited concoction is fairly easy to make, but it does require quite a few ingredients to make it correctly. This guide will show you how to make fire cider at home, complete with some optional add-ons for customization.
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What is Fire Cider?
Fire cider is a traditional folk remedy that dates back to the 1970s, popularized by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar. It combines the natural healing properties of apple cider vinegar with the warmth of ginger and garlic, the heat of chilies, and a hit of citrus—plus other herbs and spices.
The longer you let fire cider sit, the more potent it becomes. Often, you will keep it stored for at least a month before straining it into another container.
Why Should You Take It?
Fire cider is lauded for its potential benefits, which include bolstering the immune system, improving digestion, and acting as an anti-inflammatory for various ailments.
As you can probably tell, the ingredients are packed with antioxidants and can help ward off colds or shorten their duration. Plus, with its tangy taste, it makes for a great addition to salad dressings, marinades, or even as a standalone shot in the morning to invigorate your day.
Fire Cider Recipe
Ingredients
Creating your own fire cider is a process that begins with several ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (at least 5% acidity)
- 1/3 cup grated horseradish
- 1/3 cup grated ginger roots
- 1/4 cup peeled and diced turmeric (or 2 tablespoons powdered turmeric)
- 1/2 dozen cloves of minced garlic
- 1/2 cup peeled and diced onion
- 1 or 2 habanero chilies, split in half (or use cayenne pepper)
- 1 large lemon, sliced rind and all
- 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 2 tablespoons chopped thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1 cinnamon stick
- A few allspice berries (optional)
- A few whole cloves
- 1/4 cup raw honey – Add more as needed
This recipe yields 4 cups of fire cider. If you want a bigger batch, then just double the ingredients. You’ll want to make sure that you maintain the balance of flavors, so adjust accordingly. Keep in mind that the flavor will change over time, so the initial taste will not be the final product after steeping.
Fire Cider Instructions
Unlike the ingredient list, the instructions on how to make the tonic are much simpler. Here is what you’ll need to do:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering and preparing your ingredients. Grate the horseradish and ginger roots, dice the onion, slice the garlic, and cut up the lemon.
Prepare your herbs and spices (if using fresh) so they’re ready to add. If you’re using dried spices, you can just add them straight into the jar.
Step 2: Combine Everything in a Jar
Place the prepared vegetables, herbs, and spices into a clean one liter mason jar. Pour the apple cider vinegar over the mixture until it covers the ingredients by an inch or two.
It’s important that all the ingredients are submerged, allowing their flavors and properties to infuse into the vinegar.
Step 3: Seal and Shake
Seal your jar tightly. If your lid has metal parts, place a piece of cooking parchment or a small plastic bag between the lid and the jar to prevent corrosion from the vinegar. Then give it a good shake!
Step 4: Infuse
Allow your fire cider to infuse in a cool, dark place for about 4 weeks. Shake the jar daily—or whenever you remember—to help the flavors combine together. At the beginning, the honey might glob at the bottom so keep shaking it until it is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Strain and Sweeten
After a few weeks (or months), strain off the plant materials from the vinegar using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
This is your fire cider! You can sweeten it with raw honey to your taste preference, stirring well to ensure it’s fully mixed. Honey not only sweetens but also complements and balances the fiery flavors.
Step 6: Store
Transfer your fire cider to a clean bottle and store it in the refrigerator for it to keep up to a year.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve just crafted a powerful batch of fire cider! Not only have you created a healthful tonic, you’ve also joined a community of herbal enthusiasts who swear by its warming, invigorating properties. Incorporate fire cider into your daily routine as a wellness shot, or use it to spice up a salad.
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