Embrace the Plate

Every fall, when the air sharpens and the garden has folded in on itself, I start chopping roots . Our fire cider begins the way so many good things do, with simple ingredients and some patience. Fire cider is not new. It isn’t trendy. It’s not something I invented or improved upon. It’s a traditional medicinal tonic, made from pungent roots, herbs, apple cider vinegar, and often honey. We play with variations each year, choosing each ingredient with care, and blending to support different aspects of health. The ingredients are chopped or grated, covered in apple cider vinegar, and left to steep slowly while the flavours and properties infuse. It smells strong. It tastes bold. It wakes you up. I will never forget the first time I tasted it. I had been sick with an awful flu for more than two weeks, and just wasn’t getting better. I felt weak and every part of me ached. Small movements triggered terrible coughing fits that made my head stab with pain. I was miserable! I was sitting on t...