Fire Cider

This is an except from “The Art Of Fermentation eBook” that is part of the Human Microbiome & Kitchen Alchemy Course

Fire Cider is a potent and flavorful tonic that has been passed down through generations of families, originating from the traditional recipe of a wise grandmother. This ancient remedy is made from a blend of carefully selected ingredients, including apple cider vinegar, horseradish, garlic, ginger, and cayenne pepper,honey and more, which work together to create a powerful elixir that can boost the immune system, alleviate digestive issues, and even provide relief from cold and flu symptoms.

As a natural remedy, Fire Cider is an excellent way to keep your family healthy and strong throughout the year. With its anti-inflammatory properties, it can help to soothe sore throats and reduce fever. Its antimicrobial properties can also help to combat infections and prevent the spread of illness. Additionally, Fire Cider’s ability to stimulate digestion and relieve symptoms of indigestion and bloating make it an excellent addition to any family’s medicine cabinet.

So, what does Fire Cider taste like? The answer is: it’s surprisingly delicious! The combination of spicy and sweet flavors creates a unique and refreshing taste that many people enjoy. The apple cider vinegar provides a tangy base, while the horseradish and ginger add a spicy kick. The garlic and cayenne pepper add a pungent flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet. While some people may find it too spicy, many others enjoy the bold flavor of Fire Cider.

This traditional recipe has been passed down through generations of families, with many people swearing by its ability to keep them healthy and strong. Whether you’re looking for a natural remedy to combat cold and flu season or simply want to add a healthy boost to your daily routine, Fire Cider is an excellent choice. With its ancient roots and modern benefits, it’s no wonder why Fire Cider has become a staple in many households around the world. So why not give it a try? With its delicious flavor and impressive health benefits, Fire Cider is sure to become a new favorite in your family’s health routine.

Fire Cider Ingredients

Apple Cider Vinegar, Tumeric, Ginger, Horseradish, Onions, Garlic, Oranges and Lemons (whole), hot pepper (cayenne is best), and any other herbs or other fruits, berries you like. I like to add the warming herbs such as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamon. At the end you add honey.

Apple cider vinegar is the foundation of Fire Cider, serving as a natural preservative and enhancing the flavor of the other ingredients. Its acidity helps to stimulate digestion and relieve symptoms of indigestion and bloating. Apple cider vinegar is also renowned for its antifungal and antimicrobial properties, making it an effective natural remedy for combating infections and promoting overall health.

Horseradish is a pungent and flavorful root that adds a bold kick to Fire Cider. Its active compound, allyl isothiocyanate, has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it effective against a range of microorganisms. Horseradish has been used for centuries to alleviate respiratory issues, such as colds and congestion, and is said to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce pain and discomfort.

Onion is a sweet and savory addition to Fire Cider, adding depth and complexity to the blend. Its high water content makes it an excellent natural expectorant, helping to relieve congestion and coughs. Onions also contain a range of antioxidants and flavonoids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Garlic is a potent and pungent ingredient that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It contains a compound called allicin, which has natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Garlic has been shown to have a range of health benefits, including reducing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and the risk of heart disease. In Fire Cider, garlic adds a strong flavor and helps to boost the immune system.

Ginger is a spicy and invigorating root that adds warmth and comfort to Fire Cider. Its active compound, gingerol, has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help to relieve pain and discomfort. Ginger has been used for centuries to alleviate nausea and digestive issues, and is said to have antioxidant properties that can help to protect against cell damage.

Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice that adds a rich and earthy flavor to Fire Cider. Its active compound, curcumin, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help to reduce joint pain and inflammation. Turmeric has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to alleviate symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

Oranges are a sweet and juicy addition to Fire Cider, adding a burst of citrus flavor to the blend. They contain a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which is essential for immune function. Oranges also contain flavonoids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. The whole orange is used (skin and fruit)

Lemons or Limes (can use both) are a sour and citrusy addition to Fire Cider, adding a bright and uplifting flavor to the blend. They contain a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which is essential for immune function. Lemons also contain flavonoids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Like oranges, the whole fruit is used.

Cinnamon is a warm and comforting spice that adds depth and warmth to Fire Cider. Its active compound, cinnamaldehyde, has natural antibacterial properties that can help to combat infections. Cinnamon has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to alleviate symptoms of digestive issues and respiratory problems.

Cloves are a pungent and aromatic spice that add a strong flavor to Fire Cider. Their active compound, eugenol, has natural antibacterial properties that can help to combat infections. Cloves have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to alleviate symptoms of toothache and gum pain, as well as digestive issues.

Honey is the sweet and soothing finishing touch to Fire Cider, added after the fermentation process has completed. Its antimicrobial properties help to seal the blend, preserving the beneficial compounds and flavors that have developed during fermentation. Honey’s viscosity also helps to bind the ingredients together, creating a smooth and consistent blend.

But honey’s benefits don’t stop at its physical properties. This golden nectar has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, and is renowned for its ability to soothe and heal wounds, burns, and other skin irritations. Honey’s antibacterial and antifungal properties make it an effective natural remedy for combating infections, while its antioxidants and enzymes help to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation.

In Fire Cider, honey adds a touch of sweetness and helps to balance the bold flavors of the other ingredients. Its antimicrobial properties also help to extend the shelf life of the blend, ensuring that the beneficial compounds and flavors remain potent and effective. As a result, Fire Cider with honey is not only a delicious and flavorful tonic, but also a potent natural remedy that can help to soothe and heal the body from the inside out.

Fire Cider Fermenation

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) (enough to cover your materials once they are layered in your jar.
2 parts Horseradish root, chopped
1 part Onion, chopped
2 parts Garlic, minced
1 part Ginger, peeled and grated
1 part Turmeric root, chopped
2 parts Oranges (whole), sliced
1 part Lemons (whole), sliced
1/4 part Cinnamon stick, broken 1/4 part Cloves, whole or other herbs, berries.
These are general guidelines. Be creative! I like to add dandelion leaves, nettle, horsetail, rose hips, elderberries, tulis, oregano, rosemary. Have fun!

Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the Horseradish root, Onion, and Turmeric root into small pieces. Mince the Garlic and grate the Ginger. Slice the Oranges and Lemons into thin pieces. Break the Cinnamon stick into smaller pieces. Chopped lightly any herbs or fruits.

Next, layer the ingredients in a large glass jar or container, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Start by adding a layer of chopped Horseradish root, followed by a layer of Onion, then Garlic, Ginger, Turmeric, Oranges, Lemons and so on

Once all the ingredients are layered, pour Apple Cider Vinegar over the mixture until it’s completely covered. You may need to add a bit more ACV to ensure that everything is submerged. Hold the mixture down with a weight, such as a plate or a plastic bag filled with water.

Seal the jar or container with a lid or plastic wrap, and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 6-8 weeks. Visit daily and burp (lift the lid). Occasionally stir the mixture to ensure that everything is fermenting evenly. You may start to notice bubbles forming on the surface and a slight effervescence as the fermentation process takes hold.

After 6-8 weeks, taste the Fire Cider to determine if it’s ready. If it’s still too spicy or bitter, let it ferment for another week or two. Once it’s reached your desired level of flavor and potency, it’s time to add honey.

Adding Honey

Once the Fire Cider has fermented to your liking, it’s time to add honey. You can use any type of honey you like, but raw or Manuka honey is recommended for its medicinal properties. Stir in enough honey to sweeten the Fire Cider to your taste. The amount of honey you add will depend on your personal preference, but a good starting point is to add about 1-2 tablespoons of honey per 8 oz (250ml) of Fire Cider.

Filtering and Bottling

Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth or a coffee filter and place it over a large bowl or container. Pour the Fire Cider mixture into the strainer and let it drain for several hours or overnight. Discard the solids and transfer the liquid to clean glass bottles. Label the bottles with the date, ingredients, and any other relevant information. Store them in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

Inoculation

Set aside some of the Fire Cider mixture to use as an inoculant for your next batch. This will help ensure that your new batch ferments properly and retain its unique flavor and properties.

FIRE CIDER Blends

Here are a list of blends. Simple add the herbs and plants to your ferment.

Citrus Guard Zest Brew Vitamin C Cold and Flu Fire Cider
A tonic aimed at bolstering immune defenses, particularly beneficial during cold and flu season.
Parsley, Elderberry Rosehips

Gut Guardian Spice Tonic Microbiome Support Designed to improve gut health and balance, with a focus on

moderating Candida levels.
Pineapple, Cat’s Claw, Pau d’Arco, Oregano, Aloe Vera, Marshmallow Root, Slippery Elm, Papaya for digestive enzymes

Liver Vitality Tonic
Aimed at enhancing liver function and supporting detoxification .Dandelion, Chicory rootMilk Thistle: Chaga, Reishi, and Turkey Tail

Mushrooms: Offer strong antioxidant properties, support the immune system and liver

Root Revivor Kidney/Adrenal Adaptogen
A tonic to support kidney health and adrenal function, helping the body adapt to stress

Nettle, Horsetail, Cornsilk, Tulsi, Ashwagandha,

Sweet Balancer Blood Sugar Balancer
Cinnamon, Fenugreek, Licorice Root, Bitter Melon Formulated to assist in managing blood sugar levels, ideally alongside a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Dehydrating Plant Material

Once you’ve filtered and bottled your Fire Cider, you can use the plant material to create a delicious spice powder. Dehydrate the solids in a low- temperature oven (150°F) for several hours or until crispy. Grind the dehydrated plant material into a powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

Dosing

Fire Cider is best taken as a probiotic supplement before meals. Take 1 oz (30ml) as needed or as directed by your healthcare provider. If you’re feeling ill or under stress, you can drink a cup of Fire Cider (8 oz) as needed. However, always consult with your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements or remedies.

Enjoy your homemade Fire Cider!