Yasmine Zachmeyer // Little Iowa Farm

I’m not exactly sure how long fire cider has been around, but I’ve seen it on my social media a ton recently. I know so many people are getting into holistic and natural remedies for building the immune system, and I think that is AWESOME!

Once I saw a few people create their own renditions of this “fire cider,” I knew I had to try it out with my own twists!

According to Medical News Today, fire cider can be a natural remedy against the flu & common colds, similar to Elderberry. It also helps reduce nasal congestion, supports digestion, warms the body during the cold seasons, and boosts immunity. All of that sounds good in my book!

This recipe is very versatile, so try swapping ingredients or adding things to make it your own (horseradish, jalapeños, cinnamon sticks, cloves, etc.) Most recipes call for horseradish, but I didn’t add that to mine as I couldn’t find horseradish root easily in my area!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1/2 c. onion (chopped)
• 6-8 cloves of fresh garlic, peeled and diced
• 5 oz. peeled ginger, grated/diced small
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme
• 1/2 tbsp. red pepper flakes (mine was homemade from cayenne pepper and extra spicy)
• 1/2 tbsp. peppercorns
• 1 tbps. turmeric powder
• Enough organic apple cider vinegar to cover the rest of the ingredients (approximately 1, 16 fl. oz bottle)
• Honey, as desired

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare all of your ingredients, combine, and add to a quart sized mason jar.

Once you have added all of your ingredients, slowly add your apple cider vinegar to the jar. Fill it all the way to the top. Be sure all of the ingredients are covered to prevent spoilage.

Either place a piece of parchment paper on top of the mason jar (if using the traditional metal lids) or use a plastic lid.

Store in a cool, dark place (like a pantry) for 4 weeks. Shake the jar once per day.

After 4 weeks, strain through a fine mesh strainer into another jar. You can add honey if desired to make it sweeter. Refrigerate for up to 1 year.

Adults can take up to 1 tbps. a day during cols & flu season as an immune boosting supplement.