What fire cider is - and is not
Fire cider is a folk preparation that infuses apple cider vinegar with pungent culinary plants such as ginger, garlic, onion, turmeric, horseradish, citrus and herbs. The warming taste can feel comforting in cool weather, but traditional use is not proof that the mixture treats disease.
Fire cider has not been proven to boost immunity or prevent or treat colds, flu or other infections. Think of it as a flavorful food preparation - not medicine and not a replacement for nourishing meals, sleep, hydration, recommended vaccines or medical care.
GoHealthySC refrigerated family batch
Makes about 2 cups after straining. This version uses maple syrup so it stays fully plant-based.
- 2 cups commercially produced apple cider vinegar labeled 5% acidity
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh turmeric
- 1/2 small red onion, sliced, plus 6 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
- Up to 1/4 cup grated horseradish, optional for a hotter batch
- Thin strips of colored peel from 1 small lemon and 1 small orange, with the bitter white pith removed
- 1 cinnamon stick, 4 thyme sprigs and 2 rosemary sprigs
- 1 small jalapeno, sliced, optional; remove the seeds for less heat
- 2 to 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup, added after straining
Infuse, strain and store
- Wash the produce. Wash the 1-quart glass jar, then sterilize it in boiling water for 10 minutes and keep it warm until filling. Prepare a noncorrodible lid according to its manufacturer's directions.
- Pack all ingredients except the vinegar and maple syrup into the warm jar without overpacking it.
- Heat the vinegar to 190-195 F - just below boiling - and carefully pour it over the ingredients, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Cap tightly with an acid-safe lid.
- Let the jar cool, then refrigerate for 2-4 weeks. Keep every ingredient below the vinegar and check the jar regularly.
- Strain through a fine sieve, pressing the solids. Stir in maple syrup to taste.
- Label the jar, keep it refrigerated and use within 4 weeks. Do not can or shelf-store this fresh preparation.
- Discard it without tasting if you see mold or notice bubbling, new cloudiness, sliminess, a bulging lid or an off odor.
What the ingredients may offer
- Ginger has research for some types of nausea, mostly using supplements. It can also cause heartburn, diarrhea and mouth or throat irritation.
- Garlic supplements may have small effects on cholesterol or blood pressure in some adults, but research supporting immune-boosting claims is very limited.
- Turmeric has longstanding use in Chinese, Indian, Islamic and Thai traditions. Current evidence is not strong enough to conclude that it benefits most health conditions, and culinary use is different from concentrated curcumin products.
- Citrus and culinary herbs contribute flavor and plant compounds, but a small serving is not a meaningful substitute for a varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- The most reliable benefit is practical: fire cider can add bold flavor to dressings, marinades, soups, beans and grain bowls without relying on a concentrated supplement.
How the whole family can use it
- Babies under 12 months: do not give fire cider. Many traditional versions use honey, which must never be given before 12 months, and this acidic, spicy mixture is not an infant drink.
- Ages 1-4: do not serve it as a shot or daily supplement. Ask the child's pediatrician before offering it; use the individual ingredients in ordinary family meals instead.
- Ages 5-12: only with pediatrician approval, use a few drops as a flavor accent in a shared dressing, soup or bean dish. Do not serve it as a shot or daily drink; there is no pediatric dose.
- Teens: use it mainly as a culinary ingredient. If their clinician approves a beverage, dilute it thoroughly, serve it with a meal and never let them swallow it straight.
- Adults: mix 1 teaspoon into at least 8 ounces of water, or use it in a dressing, marinade, soup or grain bowl. Start small; more is not better.
- For a four-serving family dressing, whisk 1 tablespoon fire cider with 3 tablespoons olive oil and 2 teaspoons maple syrup. Get pediatrician approval before serving it to a child.
Use it without harming teeth or digestion
- Always dilute fire cider. Do not take it as a straight shot, swish it or hold it in your mouth.
- Use it with a meal, rinse your mouth with plain water afterward and wait about an hour before brushing.
- Stop if it causes burning, reflux, stomach pain, diarrhea, mouth irritation, rash or another reaction.
- Check with a clinician first for reflux, ulcers, sensitive teeth, swallowing problems, kidney disease, low potassium, allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding or an upcoming surgery.
- Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use with insulin or diabetes medicine, diuretics, blood thinners, aspirin or any regular medicine.