monday's mulling: the remedy and last week's friday feed

Welcome to the Friday Feed on Monday! Yes, it's a few days late and I was going to post it on Friday but it just didn't fit in with all the New York posts. You'll get a double-dose this week. Aren't you thrilled?

One of the joys of working at the farmer's market is the customers like to talk about what they're going to make with their produce purchases. A few years ago a woman came in, went to the field to pick some some cayenne peppers, and bought ten heads of garlic and a large onion. She then asked if we knew where to find fresh horseradish because that was the last ingredient she needed to make "The Remedy."

"The Remedy? Please explain."

The Remedy is an old recipe from her great-grandma which had been passed down to her via her mom and is touted as a home remedy to help ward off winter colds, flu cases, and could help settle the stomach. Today one of the names this concoction is known by is fire cider but I like The Remedy. It's a natural, old-fashioned tonic that has been passed down through generations. A couple weeks later she brought a copy of the recipe in and a sample for us to taste. Read the instructions. It is an old recipe. "Start on the first day of new moon. Shake everyday. Strain through cheese cloth on day of full moon." In other words, let it steep for two weeks.

Each of the ingredients has health benefits:

Ginger - aids digestion, reduces nausea and inflammation, and provides antioxidant protection. 

Cayenne pepper: the capsacin boosts metabolism to aid weight loss, reduces pain, supports cardiovascular health, improves digestion, provides beneficial antioxidants, vitamins C and A, and other nutrients such as B6, K, potassium, and magnesium.

Garlic: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

Horseradish: supports digestion, boosts the immune system, fights inflammation, and clears nasal congestion.

Onions: support heart health, boost the immune system, improve gut and bone health, and contain compounds that help reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, lower "bad" cholesterol, and regulate blood pressure. 

Before the farm closed for the season, I went to the field and picked some cayenne peppers and bought some garlic and an onion. I couldn't find fresh horseradish so I bought a jar of St. Elmo's coarse cut horseradish. It cleared my sinuses when I took a whiff!

And, per the recipe's instructions, on the day of the new moon, October 21, one-by-one I put each ingredient in my food processor to chop them up. The cayennes made my eyes burn, as did the onion, the garlic packed a punch, and the ginger smelled so fresh. I dumped each ingredient in a gallon jar and poured 3+ bottles of Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar over those fiery flavors. 14 days later on November 3, The Remedy was ready to be strained. 

After waking up, I put a couple tablespoons of this potent potion in a large glass, fill it with water, and sometimes add a touch of honey to take away the bite. Cheers!

Vinegar’s sharp bite

Garlic, ginger, onion, heat

Health in every drop.