When I was in herb school, we gathered around a table in the medicine making studio and laid out the ingredients for our first batch of fire cider. The moon was full over head as we peeled and diced. Laughing and chatting along the way and gently tossing handfuls of cut roots and veggies into a large jar at the center of the table.

Once the jar was full, we covered its contents with earthy California honey and apple cider vinegar, shaking out the bubbles every now and then. Our teacher grabbed a lid and capped the jar before leading us out to the garden, instructing one of us to grab a shovel from the shed. We selected a soft spot near some evening primrose and began to dig. Once the hole was wide enough, we gingerly placed the jar in it and said a small prayer of gratitude for the earth and the nourishment she provides before covering the jar with dirt. ✨

A full moon cycle later, we returned to the garden to unearth the jar and press the fire cider out. I had never tasted a medicine so satisfying and I savored that little 1 ounce bottle for as long as I possibly could. 

This recipe is my own take on fire cider. Add whatever you have lying around in your kitchen. (I also recommend adding fresh horseradish and mushrooms!) The point of this old folk remedy to keep sickness at bay or improve digestion. So whatever works for you and makes you feel good will be perfect for infusions!

To learn more about the upcoming court date to keep Fire Cider un-trademarked, head over to Tradition Not Trademark.

Ingredients

1 small blood orange
1/4 cup chopped red onion
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon, sliced with peel on
2 tbsp minced ginger
2 tbsp minced fresh turmeric
1 sprig rosemary
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 jalapeno, chopped (optional)
3-4 cups apple cider vinegar
Honey to taste

Method

Place ingredients in a quart size jar. Cover with honey and apple cider vinegar. Cap tightly and infuse in a cupboard or bury it in your yard for 2-4 weeks. Place a scrap of cloth between the jar and the lid to prevent sticking. Strain before use and keep fridge for longer use.