Everything you need to know about Fire Cider…
Fire Cider is a traditional remedy brought to the forefront by renowned Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar. It is a warming, immune boosting, circulatory stimulant, made of strong antiviral herbs and vegetables, infused into Apple Cider Vinegar. Honey can be added as desired to sweeten the taste and bring the healing, microbial, and soothing benefits of honey to this delicious, “old-timey” recipe.
*Did you ever wonder why spicy food is so prevalent in hot climates? “Hot” foods actually help us stay cool by inducing sweating. They are also anti-microbial and will help to kill pathogens. So next time you’re in Southeast Asia, opt for the spicy street food!
You will need...
16-32oz Mason Jar with tight fitting lid
1 Large Onion
2-3 inches Horseradish
1 large thumb Ginger
3-5 Cloves Garlic
2-3 Fresh Hot Peppers
Apple Cider Vinegar to cover
Wax Paper
Labels
Pro-Tip: Get creative with your ingredients! Add other seasonal fruits, veggies and herbs to make it your own!
Chop all ingredients into small pieces. Place veggies into jar with tight fitting lid. Cover with Apple Cider Vinegar by 1 inch. Place wax paper over jar before sealing with lid. Label with date made and Ingredients. Place in dark place for one moon cycle. Let sit one moon cycle. Strain through cheesecloth or something similar. Pour into bottle (dark colored or amber bottles are best for keeping medicinal remedies) and label. Store in a cool, dark place.
Use Fire Cider at the first signs of cold/ flu. Fire Cider is a versatile remedy, in that you can take it by the shot or spoonful, or simply add into soups, stews or as a medicinal salad dressing.
For a fun and tasty N/A health tonic, Try a Fire “Switchel“
1-2 oz Fire Cider in a tumbler glass
1-2 TBSP honey or maple
Top with Sparkly Water
Garnish with ginger, lemon or orange
Grapefruit Jalapeño Fire Cider
Grapefruit Jalapeño Is the Fire Cider du jour in the Apothecary. This one is a little sweet, a little bitter and packs a spicy punch. It is perfect for summer salad dressings and old fashioned switchels (vinegar based health tonic). The flavors I use change seasonally, and I am always excited to try out a new recipe. Some past hits were the Watermelon Serrano and Habañero Beet.
If taking FIre Cider “straight-up” is not for you, you can still get all the benefits with these fun ideas using the Grapefruit Jalapeño variety.
Recipes Using Fire Cider
Summer Salad Dressing: Combine equal parts Grapefruit Jalapeño Fire Cider and your favorite local Olive Oil. Add a spoonful of Dijon mustard and local Honey, Salt and Pepper to taste. Goes well with Chicken, Shrimp, Coconut, Avocado, Swiss Chard, Arugula, Watermelon, Quinoa, and Feta or Chevre.
Grapefruit Jalapeño Summer Switchel: Pour one oz. Grapefruit Jalapeño Fire Cider over ice in tumbler. Stir in maple syrup or honey to sweeten. Top with grapefruit bubbly water. Serve with a lime wedge, pickled ginger, citrus rind, mint or basil sprig for garnish. Great for digestion, circulation, and immunity!
Fire Cider in the Making
