Protective tonic with kick: Immune-boosting Fire Cider
We’ve had bitter cold temps the past few weeks, but we’re looking at 60s in coming days, folks! Nothing like tempestuous Colorado weather to keep you guessing…or simulate the feeling of fever! While wisps of spring are wafting their way into the air, we’re still in heavy cold and flu season. At least it feels like it this year. So many friends, colleagues, acquaintances, etc., have been hit hard lately. The bugs have been real doozies, too. The kind that call for hitting back with real punch—like this.
Winter is a wonderful time to reflect, reset, and get focused. It’s also a time when it’s easy to feel embattled by bugs. Why not bolster your defenses? Fire Cider is just the thing to put the fire in your belly, just enough.
What is Fire Cider?
A popular folk remedy with countless variations, fire cider was popularized in the late 1970s by California herbalist Rosemary Gladstar. This fiery concoction is best regarded as a protective measure for warding off colds and flu; it’s also credited for helping to relieve congestion, aid digestion, and even increase circulation.
The tangy tonic is essentially apple cider vinegar--itself lauded for numerous health benefits--but infused with powerful roots, fruits, herbs, and spices such as ginger and turmeric roots, horseradish, garlic, onion, citrus, and chile pepper. You basically stuff a jar with all the potent goodness and let it sit, shaking once a day for awhile, about 3 weeks. It’s actually really pretty. I like to include Organic India Turmeric Formula, either in place of or in addition to fresh turmeric for an extra potent boost. The popular supplement combines natively sourced, high quality Kandhamal Turmeric with the addition of Black Pepper, Curcumin, and Ginger for robust antioxidant support.
What about the taste?
Just the thought of the contents in combination may understandably seem a little too fiery. In actuality, though, the hot and pungent yields have a hint of sweetness and aroma that makes it reall quite palatable in small doses. If you’re a pickle person, chances are you won’t find it too strong at all. Even our 11-year old took well to it—until he learned it was made with horseradish. For some reason, that ingredient really puts him off, for now.
Fire Cider is no magic tincture, but prepping it feels a little bit like playing potions as a kid. And, a little goes a long way. A tablespoon pairs really well with a cup of tea, especially one like Turmeric Ginger or Lemon Ginger. For these winter months, it’s a pleasant part of my daily routine. Try for yourself, and let me know what you think!
Use code HAPPYAPPLE for 15% off Organic India Turmeric Formula and other products!
Fire Cifer
Ingredients
- ½ Cup horseradish, peeled and minced or diced
- 1 head garlic cloves, peeled and minced or gently crushed
- 1/3 Cup ginger root, peeled and minced or grated
- 1/3 Cup turmeric root, peeled and minced or grated
- 1 small onion, peeled and diced
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
- 1 orange, quartered and thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick, optional
- 1 Teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 Teaspoon ground Turmeric, optional
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 2 – 3 Cups raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar (or as needed)
Instructions
- Place all the vegetables, fruits, and spices into a clean 1-quart jar or similar.
- Add apple cider vinegar to fill the jar, making sure all the ingredients are fully covered. If using a metal lid to seal, place a piece of parchment or wax paper between the jar and the lid to protect from corrosion from the vinegar. Seal and shake.
- Let the jar sit for approximately one month (at least 3 weeks), shaking daily if possible. Strain the cider into a clean jar. Enjoy as is, sweetened with honey or maple syrup to taste, or add 1-2 Tablespoons into a cup of soothing tea!
Notes
Yield is approximately 2 cups/1 liquid pint