fire.cider

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warming.stimulating.Nourishing

Gila Harvest Cider

 
 

This is yet another variation on the infamous Fire Cider and Super Cider widely popularized by Rosemary Gladstar. Many of these creations are based on being super hot and spicy, and seeing as my belly just can’t handle that kind of thing I decided to make something a bit different. The cider still feels warming and a tiny bit stimulating but lacks the GI bang & burn of many other preparations.

  • 1/2-3/4 Fresh Turmeric (roughly chopped)

  • 1/2-3/4 Cup Fresh Ginger (grated or finely chopped)

  • 1 head Fresh Garlic (minced) - optional

  • 2-3 Tbs. Fresh Rosemary (roughly chopped)

  • small handful Sundried Tomatoes (roughly chopped)

  • 2 Tbs. Coriander (crushed in a mortar and pestle or powdered)

  • small handful Dried Hawthorn (or Firethorn) Berries (whole)

  • 2 Tbs. Fresh grated Orange Peel

  • 3/4 Cup Fresh Basil/Tulsi (I used the stems that were leftover from pesto making, roughly chopped)

  • 1 Whole Red Chile

  • appr. 3 Cups Apple Cider Vinegar

  • Raw Honey to taste

  • 1 Quart canning jar

  1. I made mine in layers, starting with the Turmeric and working my way up to the Chile, but you could just as well mix it together beforehand, but then you’d miss the amazing display of colors that happens with the herbs all stacked on top of each other. You can adjust amounts to suit your taste and to properly fill your jar. After you add all the solid ingredients, pour the ACV over the top until the jar is full. Let sit for about six weeks.

  2. Strain the Cider, preserving both liquid and herbs. Add honey to taste to the Cider. You can then refill the jar of preserved herbs with ACV again if you like for a slightly weaker Cider (you can freshen it up a bit with more Rosemary and other spices). Or you can put the herbs through the blender with a new batch of ACV and have a super concentrated version.

  3. This stuff is amazing on nearly anything, with soups, salad dressings, spooned on steamed veggies, you can even marinate meat in it. I’ve even been known to drink it occasionally, cuz it’s that good. The warming, tonic herbs help build and maintain the immune system, increase circulation and generally enhance your sense of well-being. The Basil and Hawthorn add a lovely relaxing aspect, and the whole potion is a potent digestive helper.