Fire Cider
How to Make Fire Cider
Ingredients:
- 1 quart apple cider vinegar (preferably raw and unfiltered)
- 1/2 cup grated fresh horseradish root
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/4 cup minced garlic
- 1/4 cup grated ginger root
- 2 fresh hot peppers, chopped (jalapeños, habaneros, or your choice)
- 1/4 cup turmeric root, grated (or 2 tablespoons turmeric powder)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary (optional)
- 1/4 cup raw honey, or to taste (added after infusion)
Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing and preparing all your fresh ingredients. Chop, grate, or mince them as needed.
2. Combine Ingredients: Place the horseradish, onion, garlic, ginger, hot peppers, turmeric, lemon zest, and juice, cayenne, and rosemary (if using) in a large glass jar.
3. Add Vinegar: Pour apple cider vinegar over the ingredients, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave about an inch of space from the top of the jar.
4. Infuse: Seal the jar tightly with a lid and give it a good shake. Place the jar in a cool, dark place and let it infuse for 4 to 6 weeks. Shake the jar daily to help the infusion process.
5. Strain: After 4 to 6 weeks, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jar. Make sure to press the solids to extract all the liquid and beneficial compounds.
6. Add Honey: Stir in the raw honey to taste, starting with 1/4 cup. Add more if desired for sweetness.
7. Bottle Your Fire Cider: Pour the finished fire cider into a clean glass bottle or jar, and it’s ready to use!
How to Use Fire Cider
Daily Tonic: Take a tablespoon of fire cider daily as an immune-boosting tonic. You can take it straight or dilute it in a glass of water or juice.
Cooking: Use fire cider as a tangy addition to salad dressings, marinades, or sauces.
Tea: Add a tablespoon to a cup of hot water with a bit of honey for a warming, soothing tea.
How to Store Fire Cider
Refrigeration: After the initial infusion period, store your fire cider in the refrigerator. The cold environment will help preserve its freshness and potency.
Shelf Life: Properly stored fire cider can last for up to a year in the refrigerator. Always use clean utensils to avoid contamination when using your fire cider.
Shake Well: Before each use, give the bottle a good shake to mix any settled ingredients.
By making your own fire cider, you not only save money but also have the satisfaction of creating a powerful natural remedy that can support your health and wellness. With its myriad benefits and versatile uses, fire cider is a must-have in every kitchen. Whether you're fighting off a cold, looking to improve digestion, or simply want to boost your daily wellness routine, this spicy tonic is a must have!
What is Fire Cider?
Fire cider is a traditional herbal remedy that combines apple cider vinegar with a variety of spicy, pungent, and immune-boosting ingredients. The mixture is left to infuse for several weeks, allowing the flavors and beneficial properties to meld together. The result is a powerful tonic that's packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Why Use Fire Cider?
Fire cider is not only flavorful but also offers numerous health benefits. Here are some reasons to consider adding fire cider to your daily routine:
1. Immune Support:The ingredients in fire cider, such as garlic, ginger, horseradish, and hot peppers, are known for their immune-boosting properties. They can help your body fight off colds and other illnesses, especially during the colder months.
2. Digestive Health: The vinegar in fire cider can aid digestion by stimulating stomach acid production. Ginger and horseradish also have digestive benefits, helping to soothe the digestive tract and reduce bloating.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Many ingredients in fire cider, like turmeric and garlic, have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation and pain in the body.
4. Circulatory Benefits: The spicy ingredients, such as cayenne pepper and ginger, can improve circulation and promote cardiovascular health.