Sweet + Spicy Fire Cider Dressing
I remember the very first time I tasted Fire Cider, almost a decade ago when I was living with my dear friend and mentor Emily Ruff. I was so sick and congested, as I often get around the change of seasons, and she poured some of her homemade fire cider. It was mixed into a jar with hot water, lemon, and honey. I had never tasted something that was spicy, sweet, and soothing, all at the same time! I immediately felt my sinuses clearing, and continued to sip on this mixture for the following day.
This traditional tonic is used to rev up the immune system, and clear things out. It's ACV that's infused with spicy immune herbs like garlic, thyme, ginger, onion, horseradish, turmeric, and hot peppers. Rosemary Gladstar, my teacher and the "Godmother of Western Herbalism," started teaching how to make Fire Cider in the 1970's. It's now one of the most popular formulas in the United States and sold by herbalists around the world, because it works!
Unfortunately, a company recently trademarked the term "Fire Cider." A term that is as common as pizza, in the herbalism world. You can learn more about the fight to free Fire Cider, here. It's so important that we keep these traditional formula names public, as they are a part of our heritage. So, *please* make sure you buy Fire Cider from a reputable source (like Herbal Revolution) to support this cause, or simply make your own!
This simple Sweet + Spicy Fire Cider Dressing is perfect for spring salads and macro bowls, and looks even better with a few spicy nasturtiums blooms. -XO Summer Ashley
INGREDIENTS
1/2 sunflower oil
1/4 Fire Tonic
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 tsp honey
Pinch of salt
METHOD
Mix all your ingredients in a small bowl with a whisk, and enjoy over your favorite spring salad mix. Goes well with onions, oranges, spring greens, and toasted seeds + nuts. Try mixing with freshly cooked rice to warm it up a bit.
