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Fire Cider Tonic - featured image

Fire Cider Tonic: My Grandmother’s Way to Beat the Cold


  • Author: SOFIA
  • Total Time: 4-6 weeks (steeping time)
  • Yield: 2-3 cups 1x

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
  • 12 teaspoons dried cayenne pepper
  • 23 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

  1. 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.
  2. Layer the chopped onions and garlic at the bottom of a clean, dry 1-quart or 1.5-quart airtight glass jar.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl, pressing solids to extract all liquid. Discard solids.
  7. 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