Fire Cider

 

Fire Cider has been made for centuries, if not much longer. It isn't really a tincture and there is a word for what it is, but I can't think of it right now so I will just call it a potion. It is supposed to boost the immune system, help with digestion, ease colds and keep you warm on those cold days of winter. 

I never make it exactly the same, but there are key ingredients I use every time. Apple cider vinegar is the main ingredient. I always use organic unfiltered. The other key ingredients are horseradish, garlic, onion, peel and juice of a citrus fruit and some sort of hot pepper powder.  

I always use horseradish root, but apparently there is also a powdered form that can be used. Normally I buy it on the internet and it is slightly expensive, but you don't need much and can freeze the rest for future use. This year I used orange peel and juice instead of lime for something new. Of course I used NM red Chile powder! 

Other ingredients I added were ginger, turmeric, lemongrass and some calendula flowers from my garden. I don't measure anything, it is a magic potion to me and therefore should be intuitive! 

If you are using a container with a metal or plastic lid you need to cover it first with parchment paper because it is not supposed to touch either of those. I use canning jars with the parchment paper.

Then comes the hard part, you need to store it somewhere dark for at least a month and remember to shake it every day. Not always easy to remember, so maybe leave yourself a note somewhere that you will see it. You can leave it longer, it is up to you, but when you are ready to use it you can filter using cheesecloth or a coffee filter can also work. After filtering you can then sweeten it up with some honey! 

After that you are supposed to take a shot or 2 per day. You can add them to smoothies or other beverages, but honestly it is easier to just chug the shot! Some batches will taste better than others. I think it leaves a warm and good feeling after the shot.