Fire cider is a traditional herbal remedy known for its immune-boosting and warming properties. It’s made by infusing various ingredients in apple cider vinegar.
Shire City Herbals, a company based in Massachusetts, trademarked the term “fire cider” in 2012. This move sparked a backlash within the herbalist community, as fire cider has been a traditional herbal remedy used by herbalists for generations.
In a lawsuit filed by Shire City Herbals against three herbalists, Katheryn Langelier, Nicole Telkes, and Mary Blue, the court ruled in favor of the herbalists, recognizing that “fire cider” is a generic term and cannot be trademarked.
The jury trial found that Shire City Herbals’ trademark of “fire cider” was invalid and that the term belonged to the herbalist community as a whole. This decision was a significant victory for the Free Fire Cider movement and the herbalist community, as it reaffirmed their belief that fire cider is a traditional herbal remedy that should not be restricted by trademark.
The court’s ruling acknowledged the long-standing use of the term “fire cider” in the herbalist community and recognized its generic nature. This decision has broader implications for herbalists and the herbal remedy industry, as it upholds the principles of traditional knowledge and the accessibility of herbal remedies.
Here’s a recipe for classic fire cider:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized horseradish root, grated (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 10 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 inches of fresh ginger root, grated
- 2 medium-sized jalapeno peppers, chopped
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1 orange, zest and juice
- 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- Raw honey (optional, for sweetness)
Directions:
1. Place the grated horseradish, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped jalapeno peppers, lemon zest, orange zest, turmeric powder, dried rosemary, dried thyme, black peppercorns, and cayenne pepper in a large glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Pour the apple cider vinegar over the ingredients in the jar until they are completely submerged. Make sure to leave a couple of inches of space at the top.
3. Give the mixture a good stir using a wooden spoon to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
4. Seal the jar tightly with the lid and store it in a cool, dark place such as a cupboard or pantry.
5. Allow the fire cider to infuse for at least 4 weeks, shaking the jar daily to mix the ingredients.
6. After 4 weeks, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean glass jar or bottle.
7. If desired, add raw honey to the strained liquid for sweetness. Start with 1-2 tablespoons and adjust to your taste preferences. Stir well to combine.
8. Store the fire cider in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and potency.
9. To consume, take 1-2 tablespoons of fire cider daily, especially during times of seasonal challenges or when you feel the need for an immune boost.
Note: Fire cider is quite potent and has a strong flavor. You can dilute it with water or add it to dressings and marinades if you find it too intense to consume on its own.
Enjoy the immune-boosting benefits of this classic fire cider recipe!
PS If you don’t want to DIY, my herbal dispensary has some great ready-made versions!
