How to Make Fire Cider

Learn how to make your own Fire Cider at home using ingredients you can find at your local grocery store, farmers market,  or even your own garden! Fire Cider is a traditional herbal folk remedy for seasonal illnesses. It is an infusion of warming and health supporting ingredients in apple cider vinegar that helps naturally boost your immune system, stimulates digestion (as we know gut health is important to our overall wellness!), and is a warming daily tonic. The final product is spicy, zesty, and slightly sweet! When you make this remember that the quality of your ingredients matters! Use organic when possible.

INGREDIENTS:

1 medium to large onion, diced

1 medium horseradish root, grated

1 medium to large piece of ginger, grated

1 bulb of garlic, peeled and crushed

2-4 pieces of turmeric root, grated OR 1-2 TBSP dry

1 lemon sliced, peel on

1 orange sliced, peel on

4-6 hot peppers of your choice sliced (I used jalapeno, serrano, and cayenne)

3-6 sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage OR 2-4 TSP dry

2-4 cinnamon sticks OR 2 TSP dry

Apple Cider Vinegar with the mother

Local Raw Honey

INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare all your vegetable and spices (first 10 ingredients) and pack into clean, sterile mason jars.  For the amount of ingredients above, I used two quart sized jars. Once packed, pour apple cider vinegar to the top.  Cap, label, and date (do not forget this step - trust me, you will forget the date you made this and or what it is)! I used the plastic, leak-proof Ball jar lids but if you use metal lids you will need to place a piece of wax paper between your jar and lid to prevent rusting. Shake and invert the jar to distribute the vinegar. Place jar(s) in a dark cupboard for 4 weeks, shaking occasionally or about twice a week.  After 4 weeks, strain your infusion using cheesecloth or a coffee filter. Add honey to taste and store in clean, sterilized jars.

TO USE:

You can take a teaspoon daily as a wellness tonic during the cold months, or reserve it for seasonal illnesses. You can also use your Fire Cider to make salad dressings or as a seasoning for spicy recipes.  Wondering what to do with the leftover veggies and spices after straining? Place them into your dehydrator (or on a sheet pan in your oven on low) and dry them out. Once dry you can grind them up and use as you would any spice blend.  It makes a great popcorn topping!

If you make this recipe, please be use to share it on Instagram or Facebook and tag me @goodsapothecary - I can't wait to see your herbal infusions!