2tbsporganic turmeric powder or 2 knobs of fresh turmeric root
1/4tsporganic cayenne powder
Organic apple cider vinegar (with the "mother" for added benefits)
Raw organic honey to taste (optional)
Instructions
Preparation: Begin by washing and preparing all your ingredients. Peel and chop the onion, ginger, and horseradish. Crush or chop the garlic, chop the jalapeño peppers, and zest and juice the lemon. If using fresh turmeric root, grate it. Gathering fresh, organic ingredients ensures that your fire cider is of the highest quality.
Layer Ingredients: Layer the prepared ingredients in a quart-sized glass jar, starting with the onion, ginger, horseradish, garlic, jalapeño peppers, lemon zest, lemon juice, turmeric, and cayenne powder. Each ingredient contributes its unique flavor and health benefits to the mixture.
Cover with Vinegar: Pour organic apple cider vinegar over the ingredients until the jar is full, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Make sure all the ingredients are fully submerged in the vinegar. Apple cider vinegar acts as a powerful solvent, extracting the beneficial compounds from the herbs and spices.
Seal and Store: Seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid. It's important to use a non-metal lid, as the vinegar can corrode metal. If you only have a metal lid, place a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap between the jar and the lid. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks. The infusion period allows the vinegar to absorb the flavors and medicinal properties of the ingredients. Remember to shake the jar daily to help the ingredients infuse evenly.
Strain and Sweeten: After the infusion period, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer into a clean glass container. Press or squeeze to extract all the liquid. At this point, you can sweeten your fire cider with raw organic honey to taste, if desired. Honey not only adds sweetness but also offers its own set of health benefits, including antibacterial properties.
Store and Enjoy: Transfer the strained fire cider to a clean glass bottle or jar with a secure lid. Store it in the refrigerator for extended shelf life. Consume one to two tablespoons daily as a health tonic. You can also use it as a salad dressing, marinade, or in recipes to add flavor and health benefits.