Fire Cider is a popular herbal folk remedy made from a combination of apple cider vinegar that has been infused with herbs such as garlic, onion, ginger, turmeric, horseradish, and hot peppers. There are heaps of other herbs that can be thrown in for added benefits or flavour. Because this is a folk preparation, the ingredients can change from year to year depending on when you make it. Fire Cider is one of the more pleasant and easy ways to boost your health and immune system, plus it also helps to stimulate digestion and improve your circulation. So how do you make it? Well – first of all, it involves patience as it takes an entire month to be ready, but trust me, it’s worth it! Here’s our recipe to give you an idea of what to use, but feel free to change it up as much as you like.

Ingredients

• 1 medium organic onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh grated organic ginger root
• 1/2 cup fresh grated organic horseradish root
• 10 cloves of organic garlic, crushed or chopped
• 2 organic jalapeno peppers, chopped
• Zest and juice from 1 organic lemon
• 1 tbsp organic turmeric powder or ¼ cup fresh turmeric root
• 1/4 tsp organic cayenne powder
• Several sprigs of fresh organic rosemary
• organic apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup raw honey (or to taste)

Method

1. Prepare all of your roots, fruits and herbs and place them in a litre sized jar (don’t add the honey yet!).
2. Next, pour over your apple cider vinegar to cover everything, ensuring it reaches the top of the jar
3. Seal with a lid (why not use a jar with an air tight seal) If you use a jar with a metal lid, use a piece of natural parchment paper or wax paper under the lid to keep the vinegar from touching the metal. Acid + metal = rust!
4. Shake well and then leave it in a dark, cool place for one month and remember to shake daily.
   We leave ours out at room tempature (away from direct sunlight) so that we remember to shake it.
5. After one month, use cheesecloth to strain out the pulp, pouring the vinegar into a clean jar. Be sure to squeeze as much of the liquid out as you can from the pulp.
6. Next, add 1/4 cup of honey and stir until incorporated. Taste your cider and add another 1/4 cup until you reach your desired sweetness.

How to Take Fire Cider

Fire cider is especially great if you feel any tickle at the back of the throat or the sniffles coming on.
Simply take 1 to 2 tablespoons at the first sign of a cold, and then repeat every 3 to 4 hours until symptoms subside. 

• straight by the spoonful or shot glass
• mixed with warm water, honey and lemon
• mixed with vegetable juice, lemonade or orange juice
• used in place of vinegar in salad dressings and condiments
• drizzled over salads, steamed veggies or greens
• added to soups, stews, curries or chillis
• used in marinades for example with tofu or tempeh
• and it can even be added to cocktails like a Bloody Mary for a dash of health-boosting goodness.

Good to take a tablespoon each morning in the winter to help ward off any viruses going around – plus it warms us up from our heads to our toes.
Many people also like to take it at the change of seasons throughout the year to help support the immune system.

Are you inspired to make fire cider now? We’d love to hear what you put in yours and how you use it.

- Emily Nöth

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*Please note that while we are knowledgeable about our products and nutrition, this blog should never be a substitute for medical advice and attention. Please remember that you should always obtain the all-clear from your doctor before starting any new supplement plan or diet if you’re on any medication.