What is Fire Cider Good For

Slofoodgroup Team October 24, 2023

What is Fire Cider and How is it Used?

Fire Cider, best known for its holistic healing properties, is an elixir made of fresh herbs and spices brewed in apple cider vinegar. This blend of spices has various health benefits ranging anywhere from strengthening the immune system to aiding in digestion. Rooted in traditional herbal medicine, Fire Cider has a history dating back hundreds of years. However, the name “fire cider” was not coined until the late 1970s, when an herbalist,  Rosemary Gladstar, helped to draw attention to its natural medicinal powers.

Many, who live in communities that rely on herbal remedies, have relied on Fire Cider for generations to aid digestion and immunity. Today, Fire Cider is most commonly used to ward off sickness and fight colds. Many of its ingredients, such as garlic or ginger, are both natural immunity boosters and catalysts in naturally fighting bacteria, which makes a spoonful of fire cider a quick and accessible way to combat mild illnesses. 

Fire Cider takes its name from its relatively spicy ingredients; a potent mixture of ginger, garlic, turmeric, cinnamon sticks, horseradish, chile peppers, black peppercorns, and a few other potent ingredients. The elixir is easy to make, requiring very few supplies other than a jar and cutting tools. Fire Cider is made through the process of steeping the herbs and spices in a jar of apple cider for an extended period. The cider breaks down the ingredients, infusing their healing properties and brewing them together to create a holistic elixir. 

There are plenty of ways to implement fire cider into one’s diet. The most popular is by taking a shot of the elixir or incorporating it into a recipe, such as soups, sauces, salad dressings, and marinades. 

Fire Cider Recipe

Ingredients:

• ½ cup sliced chile peppers
• 1 2-inch turmeric root sliced into ½-inch piece
• 1 4-inch piece horseradish root, grated
• 1 4-inch piece ginger root sliced into ½-inch pieces
• 2 heads of garlic
• 4 cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces
• 3 sprigs rosemary
• ¼ cup fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon white peppercorns
• 12 cloves
• 3 star anise pods
• 3 oranges, sliced
• ⅔ cup honey
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• about 4 cups apple cider vineagar

Procedure:

1. Chop, slice, or grate all of your ingredients as noted in the ingredient list.
2. In 1 3.2 quart jar, or multiple smaller jars, layer the solid ingredients in the order they are listed in the ingredient list. If using smaller jars, divide the ingredients evenly amongst the jars.
3. Add in the sweeteners and fill the jar with apple cider vinegar until all ingredients are fully covered.
4. Use a wooden spoon to press all of the ingredients down.
5. Placce the lid on and give it a good shake.
6. Store the jars in a dark, cool, cupboard or pantry.
7. Allow your fire cider to ferment for at least 2 weeks, but preferably 1 month, shaking daily.
8. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth to remove solids. Store in the fridge.
9. Most people follow a regime of 1 spoonful of fire cider each day during cold and flu season, but feel free to incorporate it into your recipes as desired.

Fire Cider provides a holistic approach to well-being and a new perspective toward culinary where implementing wellness is encouraged in the kitchen. It does take a long list of ingredients, however. Make sure you source only the highest quality ingredients for your elixirs. Slofoodgroup products are always organic, ethically-sourced, non-gmo, and of the highest quality. You can find them all at our online spice shop.

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