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Over the years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of natural remedies, with many individuals favoring them over-prescribed medications. The enduring appeal of these remedies lies in their time-tested efficacy and the use of easily accessible, all-natural ingredients, fostering a connection to the earth.
One noteworthy natural remedy is Fire Cider, often referred to as Fire Water. The name might sound intimidating, but it stands out as one of the most effective natural remedies.
Packed with potent flavors from ingredients like horseradish, ginger, onions, garlic, and jalapeno, this concoction may seem intense. Yet, evidence suggests that these components are robust immune boosters and effective against colds, explaining the widespread appreciation for this home remedy.
What sets Fire Cider apart is not only its effectiveness but also its simplicity in preparation, using ingredients readily available at your local grocery store.
**Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional and Homestead How-To is not affiliated with any medical professionals. All opinions and advice in this article are from my personal experience. Please see the disclaimer policy.
What is Fire Cider?
A beloved choice within the herbal and homesteading communities, Fire Water stands as a do-it-yourself herbal tonic celebrated for addressing various issues such as colds, flu, congestion, digestion, headaches, and immune support. Its potent blend includes apple cider vinegar, horseradish, ginger, onions, garlic, and jalapeno, delivering a robust and fiery kick.
This tonic’s key ingredients serve specific purposes – apple cider vinegar aids digestion, horseradish tackles sinus congestion and headaches, and honey not only adds soothing sweetness but also harmonizes the diverse flavors, making it not only pleasing to the taste buds but also gentle on the digestive system.
The preparation involves allowing the concoction to sit in a mason jar for approximately a month, allowing the infusion of flavors. Some individuals choose to enhance the taste and antioxidant content by adding honey, citrus, or cinnamon.
Whether taken daily or at the first sign of a cold, a spoonful of Fire Cider can be a flavorful and beneficial addition to your wellness routine.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients for Fire Cider Recipe
Supplies & Tools
Step 1: Chop Ingredients
Add the peeled onion (halved), garlic cloves, jalapenos, ginger, and horseradish to the food processor. To ease the load on your processor, consider pre-chopping the ginger and horseradish into manageable chunks before blending.
Dice the lemon, lime, and orange into smaller pieces. No need to fret about the rind; leave it as is!
While manually chopping the ingredients with a knife is an option, utilizing a food processor significantly speeds up the process.
Step 2: Fill the Mason Jar
Place the diced ingredients into the mason jar, making use of a canning funnel for a smoother pour. Pour the apple cider vinegar as the final step over the other ingredients. Hold off on adding the honey for now; that comes in at a later stage.
The goal is for all of the ingredients to be submerged in the vinegar.
Step 3: Shake the Mason Jar
Once they are all submerged, screw on your mason jar lid and give it a healthy shake. Remove the lid and replace with a thick layer of cheesecloth or wax paper and screw the band back on.
Step 4: Wait
Allow the fire cider to rest in a dark and cool space for four weeks to reach its optimal readiness. Give it a gentle swirl every few days, being cautious to avoid any spills.
Step 5: Strain
After four weeks, strain the liquid using a fine mesh strainer into a fresh mason jar. Introduce a few tablespoons of raw honey and taste the mixture.
The quantity of honey can vary based on personal preference. I suggest starting with a minimum of 2 tablespoons for the benefits raw honey offers. In my case, being sensitive to spicy foods, I opted for a total of 5 tablespoons in my fire cider. Begin with the two tablespoons, assess the taste, and adjust as needed.
Step 6: Store
Store it in the same dark spot as you brewed it. Ensure it remains sealed and placed in a dark environment, and it should maintain its quality for several months.