Fire cider

Cold and flu season is here and we all have our worries about Covid -19 on top of everything else!! This is such an important time for us to re-evaluate our food intake and fuel our bodies with fresh foods to give our immune system a boost to overcome what may face us over the winter months.

I have come across a homemade tonic called fire cracker cider, an immune-boosting health tonic with fresh horseradish, ginger, garlic, onions, cayenne pepper, apple cider vinegar and honey.

It has been used for decades to naturally protect against cold and flu and ease sinus congestion.

Now it does sound yucky to drink, but don’t worry, you do add honey at the end product to your taste and it’s meant to be pleasantly nice.

From what I have researched about it its an amazing balance of spicy, sour, sweet, sharp, herbal; all the tasting experiences you can have in one! My batch is in a dark cool place infusing for the next 4-6 weeks; and I can not wait to try it!

Beyond the flavour comes a whole load of health benefits; hence why it’s called a folk remedy.

Below are what’s in it with a brief description on some of the health benefits.

Apple Cider Vinegar —has various healthful properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. What’s more, evidence suggests it may offer health benefits, such as aiding weight loss, reducing cholesterol, lowering blood sugar levels, and improving the symptoms of diabetes.

Horseradish — helps alleviate sinus congestion and headaches.

Ginger — helps with digestion, infections and nausea.

Garlic — a secret superpower with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.

Onion — has similar properties to garlic but is also great for preventing (or recovering from!) colds and the flu.

Cayenne Pepper — helps move blood through your cardiovascular system. Blood circulation = healing.

Honey — soothes inflamed tissues and organs. Using local honey can also help with allergies.

There are so so so many ways to enjoy this elixir from what I’ve researched. You can :-

• Take a shot (about 1-2 Tablespoons) straight up.

• Dilute the fire cider tonic with warm water, juice or apple cider.

• Swap vinegar in a salad dressing for fire cider.

• Drizzle over steamed veggies.

• Use as a marinade for tofu, meat, etc.

• Add to soup or chili.

• Use as a hangover cure.

NGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup freshly peeled and grated ginger root

• 1/2 cup freshly grated horseradish root

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 10 cloves of garlic, crushed or chopped

• 2 organic jalapeño peppers, chopped

• 1 lemon, zest and juice

• 2 Tablespoons dried rosemary leaves

• 1 Tablespoon turmeric powder or 2 Tablespoons freshly grated turmeric root

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder

• organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup raw honey, or to taste

•

The method:-

1. Add ginger, horseradish, onion, garlic, jalapeño peppers ( I used red chillis) lemon zest and juice, rosemary ( I used dried), turmeric and cayenne( I used tobasco sauce) powder into quart-sized glass jar.

2. Pour apple cider vinegar in the jar until all the ingredients are fully covered and the vinegar reaches the top of the jar. You want to be sure all the ingredients are covered to prevent spoilage.

3. Use a piece of natural parchment paper under the lid to keep the vinegar from touching the metal, or use a plastic lid if you have one.

4. Shake jar to combine all the ingredients and store in a dark, cool place for 4-6 weeks, remembering to shake the jar a few seconds every day.

5. After one month, use a mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain out the solids, pouring the vinegar into a clean jar. Be sure to squeeze out as much of the liquid as you can. The solids can be used in a stir-fry or you can compost/discard them.

Add honey to the liquid and stir until incorporated.

Taste your fire cider and add more honey if needed until you reach your desired sweetness.

Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator or in a cold, dark place.

Drink 1-2 Tablespoons when needed.