Learn How To Make Fire Cider in this easy recipe! Fire Cider is a home remedy to support your immune system during cold and flu season, and is an easy, inexpensive supplement. I’ll go over everything you need, plus an FAQ section to review any questions you may have about the process. Let’s get cooking!
After the past 10 years or so of getting sick every Christmas, this year I decided to really ramp up my holistic health. While it’s true that winter is synonymous with cold and flu season, it’s all the more reason to step up your self-care! It doesn’t have to be a foregone conclusion that you’ll catch something every winter. So what can you do to prevent that? Here’s what I’m doing:
- Making sure to get 20-30 minutes of sunlight every day, whether by going outside or sitting at the window directly in the sunlight
- Having a nutrient-dense smoothie every single day, with at least one green, one high-antioxidant berry, protein powder, and chia or flax seeds
- Moving as much as possible, whether going for a walk outside or walking on the treadmill
- Drinking warm teas and staying hydrating
- Taking 1-2 tbsp of fire cider every day!
Below, I have the recipe for my fire cider, plus an FAQ section that goes over any questions you may possibly have. And if you want to know something that’s not answered already, leave a comment and I’ll get back to you! :) Enjoy this fire cider in good health!
For more immune-boosting recipes, try this Antioxidant and Nutrient-Dense Smoothie or this Superfood Soup!
How To Make Fire Cider
Equipment
- 64 oz (Half Gallon) Mason Jar I used these from Amazon (affiliate)
- Fermenting Weights I used these from Amazon (affiliate)
Ingredients
Fire Cider
- 5-6 Cups Raw Apple Cider Vinegar like Bragg's
- 2 Lemons
- 4 Clementines or Tangerines
- 1 Lime
- 2 Inches Fresh Ginger
- 2 Inches Fresh Turmeric
- 6 Cloves Garlic
- 2 Hot, Spicy Peppers like jalapeños or serranos
- 3/4 Cup Cranberries
- 3/4 Cup Carrots
- 2 Sprigs Rosemary
More Optional Ingredients
- 2 Inches Horseradish
- 1 Whole Onion peeled and sliced
Instructions
- Begin by washing your produce VERY well. Rinse thoroughly and dry before using.
- Cut your citrus into slices, being sure to remove any seeds. Add to the jar.
- Cut the ginger and turmeric into thin slices, and add to the jar.
- Peel the garlic cloves and smash them with the flat side of your knife. Add them to the jar.
- Cut up the spicy peppers into slices, and add to the jar. Remove the seeds, if desired, for a less spicy fire cider. Keep them in if you like spice.
- Add in the cranberries, carrots, rosemary, and any other herbs you'd like to use.
- Pour apple cider vinegar on top of the mixture, making sure everything is covered, then place a weight on top of the solids to keep them submerged.
- Place the jar in a cool, dry place for 3-4 weeks. After the time has passed, strain and funnel the fire cider into a new, clean jar. The fire cider can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 1 year, or in the refrigerator for a year and a half.
- Take 1-2 tbsp of the fire cider daily, either straight or mixed into water or tea. Enjoy in good health! :)
Notes
- The recipe yield on this may be different than yours, depending on how much you stuff the jar full of infusers (i.e. the lemons, cranberries, etc.).
- Fire cider traditionally contains horseradish, but since it can be hard to find, I opted for ginger and turmeric in my recipe.
- Cranberries are an untraditional ingredient, but are a great source of Vitamin C and antioxidants.
Nutrition
How To Make Fire Cider FAQs
How to take fire cider vinegar?
Take 1-2 tbsp daily during cold and flu season to help support your immune system! You can either drink the fire cider straight, or mix it into tea with honey or water.
How long does fire cider last?
Stored in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place, strained fire cider can last up to a year. Storing in the refrigerator, though, can help it keep for up to a year and a half, according to the Herbal Academy.
What do I need to make fire cider?
You’ll need a half gallon mason jar for this recipe. I use these ones from Amazon – Ball is always a great, trustworthy brand. I also recommend you use weights to keep the solids submerged. (Affiliate links – thank you for supporting W+F so I can keep creating free recipes for you!)
What is fire cider? Where did fire cider originate?
Fire cider is an infusion of functional foods, like turmeric, ginger, and garlic, with apple cider vinegar. It doesn’t have a single source of origin, but has roots in the traditional practices of the Amish. Fire cider was also popularized in America largely in part to the efforts of Rosemary Gladstar, aka the “godmother of modern herbalism”, in the 1980’s and 90’s.
What are the ingredients for fire cider?
Traditionally, fire cider contains raw horseradish, but that can be hard to find, so I’ve subbed in ginger and turmeric. It also contains alliums, like garlic, and spicy peppers, like jalapeños or serranos, for added heat and pungency. Citrus like lemons or oranges are also traditional ingredients. What ties the add-ins all together is the infusion in raw apple cider vinegar.
What type of apple cider vinegar should I use for fire cider?
For this recipe, use raw, unfiltered, and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar that contains “the mother.” The Mother is a culture of beneficial bacteria and yeast that makes apple cider vinegar, well, a vinegar. You need to use raw ACV because the beneficial enzymes, acids, and probiotics are often removed during pasteurization.
Is it okay to drink fire cider every day?
In general, most people should not consume more than a few tablespoons of fire cider every day. Fire cider is very acidic and astringent, so it may not be suitable for people with sensitive stomachs.
Who should not drink fire cider?
Fire cider may not be appropriate for the following groups:
- People with acid reflux, ulcers, sensitive stomachs, or any GI inflammation
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- People on blood-thinning medications
- People with allergies to any of the ingredients
For anyone with questions, it is always best to consult your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
P.S.
For more plant-forward recipes, dinner parties, and New England lifestyle inspiration, be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok! If you make a recipe, please tag me in the photo and use the hashtag #wellandfull so I can see! I love seeing your creations!
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