Description
A potent, traditional immune-boosting tonic made with raw apple cider vinegar, horseradish, ginger, garlic, and spices. This recipe honors family tradition and helps ward off seasonal colds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480ml) raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (with the ‘mother’)
- 2 medium organic red onions, chopped
- 1 whole head organic garlic, cloves peeled
- 1 cup (100g) fresh horseradish root, grated
- 1 large knob fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced
- 1–2 teaspoons dried cayenne pepper
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped
- 1 knob fresh turmeric root, peeled and sliced (or 1 tbsp ground turmeric)
- 1 organic lemon, sliced thin (optional)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
Instructions
- Wash all produce thoroughly. Peel and slice the ginger and turmeric. Chop onions into rough chunks. Peel garlic cloves. Slice lemon if using. Grate the horseradish.
- Layer the chopped onions and garlic at the bottom of a clean, dry 1-quart or 1.5-quart airtight glass jar.
- Add the grated horseradish, sliced ginger, turmeric, cayenne pepper, thyme leaves, and peppercorns to the jar. Add lemon slices last if using. Pack ingredients down gently to minimize air space.
- Pour the apple cider vinegar over the ingredients, ensuring everything is completely submerged. Use a wooden spoon to press down ingredients and release air bubbles.
- Seal the jar tightly. If concerned about metal lid corrosion, place parchment paper between the jar and lid. Store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking every few days.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl, pressing solids to extract all liquid. Discard solids.
- Pour the strained tonic into clean glass bottles. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Notes
Wear gloves when handling horseradish and fresh turmeric to prevent skin irritation and staining. Ensure all ingredients are fully submerged in vinegar to prevent mold. The tonic is potent; start with small doses (1/2 teaspoon) if you are new to it. Do not reheat, as heat destroys beneficial enzymes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiments
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 teaspoons daily
- Calories: 5
- Sodium: 2
- Carbohydrates: 1
Keywords: fire cider, immune booster, cold remedy, horseradish, apple cider vinegar, natural health, grandmother's recipe, tonic, winter wellness