How does a simple kitchen experiment turn into a thriving business that supports local farmers and boosts immunity? Meet Kara Peters and her game-changing product, Ahlbin’s Fire Cider (Greenfield, MA). 

The name “Ahlbin’s” holds a special place in Kara’s heart, it’s derived from her great-grandfather’s original surname, who altered it when he immigrated from Sweden. By using this name for her product, Kara honors her past, while creating a new tradition for her family and community.

Kara first encountered fire cider after moving to Western Massachusetts, where she discovered this traditional health tonic. She began experimenting with recipes using fresh ingredients from her garden and her own intuition. "I started making it for myself, tweaked the recipes so that I thought it was yummy... And then I started tasting other fire ciders, and I’m like, oh, mine’s very different from some of these other fire ciders that are out there," she shares. After sharing the results with friends and family for over the years, Kara was encouraged to turn her passion into a business. Despite hesitations and setbacks, including navigating the complexities of getting a food product licensed during the pandemic, Kara officially launched Ahlbin’s Fire Cider in 2022.

A key element of Ahlbin’s Fire Cider is Kara’s commitment to sourcing ingredients locally. By partnering with nearby farmers, she sources the finest turmeric, ginger, apples, and honey from Western Massachusetts. "I have a passion for local foods and I have a passion for working with local farmers and supporting our local economy... I knew that I wanted to work directly with the farms," Kara explains.This dedication to local sourcing has been central to Ahlbin’s success and remains a cornerstone of the brand.

However, the journey wasn’t easy. Kara spent over two years navigating the complex process of obtaining her wholesale license. "It was daunting. I wanted to quit so many times, but something just kept me moving forward. Something was just like, no, I’m kind of meant to do this. I want to do this," Kara reflects. She credits much of her perseverance to the guidance she received from the Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center, which helped her overcome the hurdles of product scaling and regulatory compliance. Today, Ahlbin’s Fire Cider is sold in over 30 stores across the region, and Kara’s product is a regular favorite at farmers' markets and festivals, including the renowned Garlic & Arts Festival.

While fire cider is renowned for its health benefits, such as aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and boosting immunity, Kara emphasizes that Ahlbin’s Fire Cider is also a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. Whether in salad dressings, marinades, or cocktails, fire cider is an easy way to incorporate flavor. Kara’s unique blend of apple cider vinegar, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and a touch of jalapeño heat creates a flavorful experience that’s not overly spicy but packed with taste.

Kara believes that once people taste Ahlbin’s Fire Cider, they realize just how many ways it can be incorporated into their daily routines. "Once a person tries the product for themselves, they understand how many different ways it can be incorporated into their routines," she says. She is passionate about sharing her product and makes herself available to conduct tastings at stores. Additionally, Kara sends out helpful information sheets to customers, detailing the ingredients, suggested uses, and health benefits of Ahlbin’s Fire Cider.

If you’re interested in learning more or arranging a tasting for your store, Kara can be reached through her website. 

Be sure to check out Ahlbin’s Fire Cider in the Food Hub and experience this local, flavorful, and healthy addition to your kitchen.