Fire Cider

I've been diligent at trying my best to find tried-and-true natural ways to keep myself and my family a little healthier.  We seem to be "that family" that catches pretty much anything and everything that goes around.  While I am no medical professional or have a history of using this, I do believe that this has been helping.  We still have been fighting illnesses, but I have noticed that we are stronger and the illnesses are not hitting us as hard as others.  With this in mind, I am making more, a double batch, to always have on hand. I've seen so many recipes floating around, so I'll just share how I am making ours.

In a 1/2 gallon mason jar, I add the following:

• 1 chopped onion
• dried whole cayenne peppers
• 2 sliced jalapenos
• sliced turmeric (a piece or two)
• sliced ginger ( a piece or two)
• sliced horseradish  (a piece or two)
  
• fresh garlic cloves (about 1/2 cup+)
• 1 sliced lemon
• fresh rosemary
• 1/4 cup of peppercorns

I then just pour apple cider vinegar (with the mother) until it covers all the pieces in the jar.  I put a loose lid on it.  Once a day, I tighten the lid, shake it, and then loosen the lid again.  I keep it sitting at room temperature for 4-6 weeks.

 After steeping for 4-6 weeks, I strain off the food and store the remaining liquid "Fire Cider" in a quart size mason jar.  This is then labeled and stored in the refrigerator.

 How do we use it?

Thus far, I've been taking about 1 tablespoon pretty much every day during the cold/flu season.  When I felt a sickness coming on, I then will take 1 tablespoon 3x a day.

What does it taste like?

I find it a little spicy with a kick (thus the name "Fire"), but not as irritating as straight apple cider vinegar.  I know some people will take it with some honey, but I haven't found it needed.  My children, they are teenagers, will take it straight also.  I think younger children may have issues.

This was just too funny and I had to take a picture!