Fire Cider!

This potent, spicy, and sweet vinegar infusion is a staple in my kitchen, especially during the colder months. 

Known as "fire cider," it's a traditional folk remedy packed with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral ingredients – designed to kick your immune system into high gear. 

Does it really work? You'll have to let me know. But be sure that a shot of this nutrient-packed tonic is sure to clear out your sinuses!

To use, each day through flu/Covid/cold season, mix 1-2 tablespoons fire cider into a few ounces of water. If you feel an infection coming on, bump up to three times a day.

You can also substitute fire cider for the vinegar portion of a salad dressing or add a dash to your warm tea.

Ingredients

• 4 C raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (at least 5% acidity)

• 1/3 C fresh horseradish, diced

• 1/3 C ginger root, diced

• 1/4 C turmeric, diced (or 2 T dried powder)

• 6 cloves garlic, diced

• 1/2 C onion, diced

• 1 habanero chile, sliced in half

• 1 large lemon, sliced (including rind)

• 1 orange, sliced (including rind)

• 2 T fresh thyme, roughly chopped (or 1 tsp. dried)

• 1 tsp. rosemary, roughly chopped

• 1/2 C parsley, roughly chopped (optional)

• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

• 1 tsp. black peppercorns

• 2-3 T C raw honey 

• 1-quart glass jar

Instructions

1. Add your vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices (but not the honey!) into a clean, 1-quart glass jar.

2. Pour in the apple cider vinegar, submerging all the ingredients. Add the lid. (If using a metal lid, place a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap between the jar and the lid so the vinegar doesn’t corrode the metal.)

3. Store the jar in a cool, dark place (like a kitchen cabinet) for 4-6 weeks. Give the jar a gentle shake daily, to help the infusion process along.

4. When it’s ready, use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the solids as the liquid goes into a clean bowl. Squeeze the cheesecloth firmly to get every drop of goodness from the ingredients. Then pour the liquid into one or a few clean glass jar(s).

5. Mix in the raw honey and taste the cider. Add a bit more honey, if desired.

6. Top it with a lid and refrigerate. Your fire cider should keep for several months.

This recipe makes about 1 pint of finished cider.