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This fire cider came from a place of wanting to feel more grounded amidst these uncertain times, and also getting through, by what they know to be truly restorative ― practicing mutual care through sharing and being in practice with plants.

Make a big batch of fire cider and in 4 weeks, share this immune-boosting tonic with your neighbors, friends, and boo(s).

Remember that you do not need to have all of these ingredients or be precise, I certainly don’t normally measure things ― but for the sake of making it more accessible, these are the suggested measurements/ingredients that make sense to me. Pick what feels good to you, learn a little about these plants, about what they can offer you, and think of what you can offer them as well.

Ingredients

1 large horseradish root - approx 6-8 inches (if you can't find horseradish, any other radish will do, though not as powerful!)
1 large ginger root - approx 6-8 inches
1 large onion
1 garlic head
1 large orange (whole - do not peel)
1 large lemon (whole do not peel)
1 small bunch of fresh rosemary
1 small bunch of fresh oregano
1 habanero pepper
1 jalapeño pepper
1 serrano pepper
2-4 dried chiles of your choice (suggested Guntur Sannam Chilli, chile de árbol , chile guajillo, chile cascabel - or better yet, a mix of them all)!
1 tablespoon Pragati Turmeric
1 teaspoon Aranya Black Pepper
4-6 cups Raw apple cider vinegar with “The Mother”

Optional herbs:

¼ cup echinacea
2 tablespoon holy basil
2 tablespoon lemon balm

After preparation:

½ cup honey or more to taste

Materials Needed:

64 oz jar (half a gallon) or one gallon jar if doubling the recipe

Parchment paper if using metal lid

Methods

Begin by chopping the horseradish root into medium sized pieces or use a mandoline to slice into thin/almost transparent disks. Make sure you do this in a well ventilated area or outside, because horseradish is potent and has the ability to clear your sinuses and make you cry on sight!Add to the container you will be using.
Chop ginger, onion, garlic, whole orange, whole lemon (do not peel), fresh and dried chiles and add to your container.
Add 1 or 2 bunches of fresh woody herbs like: oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage to the container - no need to chop.
Add dried herbs and spices like whole peppercorns, turmeric, and more immune boosting herbs like echinacea, holy basil, and lemon balm to the mix.
Cover with raw apple cider vinegar until everything is submerged by at least an inch. Produce may spoil if not completely submerged.
Place a tight fitting lid (if using metal use wax or parchment paper to prevent the lid from corroding). Shake well.
Place in a dark place for 4 weeks and shake daily. Send your medicine a little affirmation and give thanks each time.
After 4 weeks, strain with a fine meshed sieve or cheesecloth, making sure to squeeze out any extra juice from the chopped roots and herbs. Stir in ½ cup of raw honey or more to taste.
Place in sterilized containers - no need to refrigerate can last up to 6 months. Take 1 tablespoon up to 3 times a day for boosting your immune system or if you have cold/flu-like symptoms. You can also dilute with water/juice or add to smoothies/salad dressings!

Clau’s Community Fire Cider

Recipe by

Berenice Dimas

Difficulty

Beginner