Flavored vinegar: Fire cider

Fire cider is a flavored vinegar made from infusing apple cider vinegar with onions, garlic, ginger and citrus fruit. The beverage has a strong flavor and is used as a home remedy for certain illnesses.

How can I make fire cider safely?

Pasteurized vinegar on its own poses little food safety risk. However, adding fruits, vegetables and spices can alter the pH and introduce unwanted foodborne illness-causing microorganisms, such as Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause listeriosis.

To make fire cider safely, follow the guidance below.

Clean and sanitize

• Begin with a clean kitchen space.
• Sanitize countertops, cutting boards and utensils.

Prepare flavoring ingredients

• Wash all fruits and vegetables with clean running water.
• Thinly slice fruits and vegetables and add to a sanitized jar.
• To avoid overpacking the jars, aim for 1 cup of added fruits and vegetables to 2 cups of apple cider vinegar.

Heat apple cider vinegar

• Heat apple cider vinegar to just below boiling (190-195 F).
• Pour hot vinegar over the flavoring ingredients in the jars.
• Ensure the entire mixture, including the center-most part of the added solids, is held above 165 F for at least 1 minute 12 seconds.
• Check the temperature using a thermometer.

Note: Using thin slices and not overpacking the jars with fruits and vegetables will increase the likelihood that an adequate temperature is met.

Infusion step

Secure a clean lid to the jar and rest in a cool, dark space for 10 to 30 days. The length of time depends on the desired strength of the finished product.

Before bottling, strain the vinegar to remove all solid foods. Using a coffee filter is ideal to catch small particles.

Bottling options

• Hot water bath: If pH is 4.6 or lower
• Hot-fill hold: If pH is 4.1 or lower
• Cold-fill hold: If pH is 3.3 or lower

Did my fire cider go bad?

After bottling, fire cider should be stored in a cool and dark location. Once opened, it must be refrigerated.

If mold, bubbling or cloudiness appears, your vinegar has spoiled and should be discarded.