Fire Cider Recipe (starring the lovely pomegranate)
“The first wealth is health”
This is just the recipe you’ve been needing to uplevel your kitchen herbalism game! A fresh take on the traditional fire cider recipe, this remedy adds two additional potent ingredients- fresh turmeric and pomegranate.
Fire cider is a traditional herbal remedy and tonic made by steeping various herbs, spices, and other ingredients in apple cider vinegar.
It is known for its strong, spicy, and pungent, slightly sweet flavor and has a wide range of health benefits. This easy vinegar infusion should be a staple in all kitchens!
Food can truly be medicine.
I do believe that most things can be prevented or healed by eating the right food. consistently By incorporating things like fire cider into our regular routine, we stay ahead of our health.
There’s also something so satisfying about lovingly preparing things in the kitchen for family, friends and of course, ourselves.
Fire cider typically includes ingredients like:
Apple Cider Vinegar: This serves as the base for the tonic and provides acidity. it is also a wonderful digestive aid.
Garlic: Adds a pungent flavor and has amazing immune-boosting properties. It is also known as the poor man's penicillin. It has broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antibacterial properties and is an excellent aid for fighting infection.
Onions: Another pungent ingredient that contributes to the flavor and has many health benefits.
Ginger: A warming circulatory herb known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
Horseradish: Provides a spicy kick and is one of the best herbs for clearing congestion.
Cayenne Pepper: Adds heat and can help with circulation and clearing sinuses. It is one of the best cardiovascular herbs and helps to move blood through the system.
Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Citrus fruits (like lemons or oranges): Adds a tangy flavor and vitamin C. I’m adding in some pomegranate seeds this year for the same purpose.
Honey: Often used to sweeten and balance the spicy and tangy flavors and has it’s own host of benefits. It is extremely soothing for inflamed tissues and organs and acts as a harmonizer.
How is this remedy made?
The ingredients are typically chopped or grated, then combined in a jar with the apple cider vinegar. The mixture is left to steep for several weeks, occasionally shaking or stirring it. After the steeping period, the liquid is strained and can be consumed in small doses as a tonic. It's often taken by the spoonful or like a shot or mixed with water, juice, or even used as a salad dressing.
fire cider ingredients, with the addition of fresh turmeric and pomegranate.
A little bit on the backstory of this potent tonic.
Rosemary Gladstar, a prominent herbalist, author, and teacher, is credited with popularizing fire cider as a modern herbal remedy. She began teaching workshops on herbal medicine and introduced her version of fire cider in the 1970s as a way to make herbal remedies more accessible to people.
Her recipe and teachings helped fire cider gain recognition and popularity within the herbalist and natural health communities.
Let’s get to the recipe!
My recipe is based on Rosemary’s traditional fire cider recipe, with a couple of my own additions- fresh turmeric and pomegranate seeds (or more correctly called ‘arils”).
The variations are virtually endless, so feel free to add whatever sounds good. Some popular additions are rosemary, sage, fresh hot peppers, cinnamon…and the list goes on….
I like to try a new variation every year. I love the color of the pomegranate seeds and their wonderful health benefits. Not only are they high in antioxidants, but may have anti-cancer benefits as well. The fresh turmeric is also a vibrant color and boasts excellent anti-inflammatory properties.
Here is this years fire cider recipe. Enjoy!
Pomegranate Fire Cider
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup grated or chopped horseradish
- 8-10 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1/4 cup ginger, grated or minced
- a small piece of fresh turmeric, chopped or 1 tsp dried
- seeds from 1/2 pomegranate
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or to taste
- 2 or more cups apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup raw honey or to taste
Instructions
- Place onion, horseradish , garlic, ginger, turmeric and pomegranate seeds in the bottom of a 1-quart jar or similar resealable glass container
- Add vinegar, adding more as necessary to fully submerge ingredients and fill jar. Seal jar (if using a metal lid, place a piece of parchment between jar and lid to prevent a corrosive reaction with vinegar).
- Add cayenne pepper to taste, seal jar and give it all a shake to mix it up.
- Store in a cool, dark place, shaking for a few seconds every day or two, at least 3 weeks and up to 6 weeks.
- Strain through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve; compost or discard solids. Stir in honey. At this point you can bottle into a decorative vinegar bottle or store in the quart jar.
- Use as a tonic to ward off a cold or winter blues. Drink a one-to-two-ounce shot daily, dilute some in seltzer or still water, or use it in place of regular vinegar for salad dressings.
Fire Cider Recipe Card
Do you have a favorite fire cider recipe?? If you make this version, I’d love to hear how you like it!
Peace, love and fire cider,
Sandee