Perhaps this belongs more in the medicine cabinet than the pantry but putting together this jar of goodness is a lovely way to align taking care of our bodies with season.
An old tonic traditionally made with what the land offered at the time of the last harvest, fiery cider is an infusion of herbs and spices steeped in apple cider vinegar and sweetened with honey. It is packed with immune-boosting ingredients to make it a useful, homemade remedy for the ailments that can accompany the cold and darkest days of the year.
I share here a recipe published by Riverford (https://www.riverford.co.uk/recipes/fire-cider-tonic) which I have adapted slightly.
First step is to sterilise a clean 1-litre glass jar (place in a preheated oven at 150°C for 20 minutes). When it is completely cool, I placed 5 garlic cloves (sliced), a piece of fresh ginger (sliced), 3 chillies (sliced), 2 teaspoons of turmeric and the zest of one orange into the jar before pouring over 500ml of apple cider vinegar (I use my own made with apple core and peelings and water - there are plenty of recipes online if you want to make your own too). I give the lot a good stir.
Then, I add one cinnamon stick, 2 tablespoons of runny honey, the juice of the orange, two sprigs of rosemary and some pepper. All the ingredients need to be submerged by the vinegar
To adjust the taste, the orange can be substituted by a lemon and the rosemary by thyme.
I then keep the jar in the cupboard under the sink where it is cool and dark, ensuring daily that no mould forms. I simply shake the jar to keep everything completely submerged in the vinegar. This stays there for about a month after which the concoction is ready to be used. I don't strain it but the liquid could be sieved into a bottle. I keep the jar in the fridge where it will be happy for the next six months (by which time cold and flu season is hopefully over!).
To create wonders for your immune system, you can take a neat shot every day (morning is best for such a boost) or you can use as a cordial mixed with sparkling water. It will also give a nice kick to salads when added to the dressing.
Finally, I am not a doctor and advise you to check the ingredients in case of sensitivity, allergy or any contra-indications that would make this remedy an unwise choice for you, despite its all-natural list of ingredients.