Fire Cider Recipe from Farmer’s Almanac®

Farmer’s Almanac (www.almanac.com) is read daily by millions worldwide. Their folksy articles, recipes and plant growing tips never fail to provide the best, timely advice.

Recently the Fire Cider Recipe was published. It’s easy to put together and ideal to have on hand to ward off flu and other germs, especially during the very cold months of January, February, thru March. Colds and flu can attack at any time so having this concoction at the ready is very proactive.

Yes, there are a lot of ingredients but guess what? They’re all NATURAL! The preparation is taken by mouth rather than in the arm! This SAFE & EFFECTIVE remedy is easy to assemble and then it’s ready for consumption in a few weeks. Best of all, it’s inexpensive, a proven remedy and the potion is good for one year!

Ingredients

• Start with a quart (4 cups) of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar (at least 5% acidity)
• About 1/3 cup grated horseradish and ginger roots
•  1/4 cup peeled and diced turmeric (or 2 tablespoons dried, powdered turmeric)
• Half a dozen cloves of minced garlic
• 1/2 cup peeled and diced onion
• 1 or 2 habanero chiles, split in half (or, use cayenne pepper)
• One large lemon, sliced rind and all (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 2 tablespoons chopped thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley (optional)
• A cinnamon stick, a few allspice berries, and a few whole cloves (optional)
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
•  1/4 cup raw honey, or more to taste

Instructions

1. Place all of the vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices in a clean one-quart jar. Fill the jar with apple cider vinegar
2. The apple cider vinegar should cover the herbs by an inch or two. Seal your cap tightly. If you cap your jar with a lid containing metal parts, screw the lid on over a piece of cooking parchment or a small plastic bag to keep the lid from corroding. Shake well.
3. Let sit for a few weeks to soak. Shake daily (or when you remember).
4. Then strain off the plant materials from the vinegar. Sweeten with honey to taste. Honey not only adds sweetness, but also blends all the flavors in fire cider nicely.
5. Refrigerate and use within a year.