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Immune-Boosting Fire Cider Shots for Cold Season

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A potent, fermented tonic made with raw apple cider vinegar, ginger, garlic, horseradish, and honey. This fiery, flavorful elixir is a daily wellness ritual that supports the immune system during cold season.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 quart (1 liter) raw apple cider vinegar (with the mother)
  • 4-inch piece fresh ginger root, scrubbed and sliced into thin coins
  • 3-inch piece fresh turmeric root, scrubbed and sliced into thin coins (or 1 teaspoon dried turmeric)
  • 1 whole head garlic, cloves separated, smashed (skins on)
  • 2-inch piece fresh horseradish root, peeled and chopped (or 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, drained)
  • 1 medium yellow or red onion, roughly chopped
  • 1 jalapeño or habanero pepper, sliced (optional; remove seeds for less heat)
  • 1/4 cup raw honey (or to taste)
  • Optional: 1 cinnamon stick, a few star anise pods, a sprig of fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns

Instructions

  1. Wash all produce well. Slice ginger and turmeric into thin coins (about 1/8-inch thick). Smash garlic cloves with the flat of a knife (no need to peel). Roughly chop onion. Peel and chop horseradish into small chunks. Slice jalapeño into rings.
  2. Layer the harder ingredients (ginger, turmeric, horseradish) at the bottom of a clean 1-quart glass jar. Add garlic, onion, and pepper. Pack down firmly with a wooden spoon or chopstick until the jar is about 3/4 full.
  3. Tuck in any optional spices (cinnamon, star anise, black peppercorns) between the layers.
  4. Pour raw apple cider vinegar over the ingredients until completely submerged, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
  5. Drizzle in the raw honey. Do not stir; let it settle on top.
  6. Screw the lid on tightly (use a parchment paper barrier if the lid is metal). Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.
  7. Place the jar in a cool, dark place (60-70°F / 15-21°C) for a minimum of 2 weeks, preferably 4 weeks. Shake once daily for the first week.
  8. After 2 weeks, taste the liquid. If too vinegary, let it steep longer. When satisfied with the flavor, strain through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl, pressing on solids to extract all liquid. Discard solids.
  9. Taste the strained liquid and add more honey if desired, stirring until dissolved.
  10. Transfer to clean storage bottles using a funnel. Seal tightly, label with the date, and refrigerate.

Notes

Ensure all solid ingredients are fully submerged in vinegar to prevent mold. If mold appears, skim it off immediately; if extensive or foul-smelling, discard the batch. The daily shake during the first week prevents honey from hardening at the bottom. The leftover strained solids can be used in salad dressings, marinades, or soups. For a clearer final product, strain through a coffee filter after the initial strain.

Nutrition

Keywords: fire cider, immune booster, cold season, wellness shot, apple cider vinegar, ginger, garlic, horseradish, turmeric, honey, fermented tonic, natural remedy

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/immune-boosting-fire-cider-shots-for-cold-season/