When the chill of the season sets in or your energy feels a little dim, fire cider is your fiery remedy to the rescue. This age-old tonic, rooted in herbal traditions, is a zesty, immune-boosting concoction brimming with nature’s boldest ingredients.
Here at Ferally Educated, I’ve put my feral twist on the classic fire cider recipe, blending vibrant citrus, pungent roots, warming spices, and a sprinkle of wild herbs. The result? A health elixir that’s as effective as it is invigorating, ready to kick your immune system into high gear and chase away those seasonal blues.
What is Fire Cider?
Fire cider is a traditional folk remedy made by steeping powerful, health-boosting ingredients like garlic, ginger, and turmeric in apple cider vinegar. Over time, this magic brews into a spicy, tangy, and potent tonic that can help:
- Support immunity
- Improve digestion
- Warm you from the inside out
It’s versatile, too—sip it straight, mix it into tea, drizzle it over salads, or add a dash to soups for a zesty kick.
Ferally Educated Fire Cider Recipe
Here’s how I craft my own wild version of fire cider. Each ingredient is intentionally selected for its health benefits and a touch of feral flair.
Ingredients:
- 2 oranges, sliced (keep the peels on)
- 2 lemons, sliced (keep the peels on)
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 white onion, sliced
- 2 jalapeños, with seeds, sliced
- Ginger root, sliced into discs
- Turmeric root, sliced into discs
- Horseradish root, sliced into discs
- 2 heads of garlic, peeled
- 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 3-4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp whole cloves
- 1 tbsp peppercorns
- Mullein, henbit, sage, or any other herbs you have handy
- 2 (32 oz) bottles of apple cider vinegar (with “the mother”)
- 2-3 tbsp raw, local honey
Instructions
- Layer It Up: Add all ingredients to a 64 oz mason jar. Place the spices and honey in the middle, then layer the citrus slices on top to hold everything down.
- Top It Off: Fill the jar to the brim with apple cider vinegar.
- Seal the Deal: Place a piece of parchment paper over the jar opening before sealing it with a lid and ring. (This protects the lid from the vinegar’s acidity.)
- Label It: Write the date you made it and the date it will be ready to strain (6-8 weeks later) on the parchment paper.
- Store and Shake: Keep your jar in a cool, dark place for 6-8 weeks. Give it a shake daily to keep things moving.
- Strain and Enjoy: After the wait, strain the cider and bottle it up. Keep in the refrigerator up to 6 months!
Tips for the Wild Soul
- Customize It: Don’t be afraid to experiment with other herbs or spices that speak to your feral side. Thyme, oregano, or even a pinch of cayenne could add a unique twist.
- Daily Ritual: A tablespoon a day can help keep the sniffles at bay. Feeling adventurous? Sip it straight for a fiery wake-up call!
- Double Duty: The strained solids can be composted, or toss them into a soup or stew for extra flavor and nutrients.
Why Ferally Educated Fire Cider?
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a ritual. Fire cider connects you to the earth’s rhythms, transforming humble ingredients into a tonic that heals, strengthens, and awakens. It’s about intention—nurturing your health while embracing the wild, unfiltered magic of nature.
So, are you ready to stir up some feral magic in your kitchen? Get brewing, and let the warmth of this fire cider light your way to wellness.
Stay wild, stay healthy, stay feral.
Holly May
Founder, Ferally Educated