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Salt is a staple in every kitchen, but for preppers, it’s more than just a seasoning.
In a survival scenario, salt can be a matter of life and death.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why preppers buy salt and how to store it properly.
Food Preservation
One of the most important reasons why preppers buy salt is for food preservation.
Salt draws water from vegetables and meat, drying and preserving them and killing microbes.
Whether you’re canning, curing, fermenting, turning milk into cheese, or pickling, salt is a must-have.
Health Benefits
Salt is important to human health.
According to Harvard Medical School, sodium helps to maintain a proper fluid balance, transmit nerve impulses, and helps our muscles to function.
Too little sodium will cause the body to retain fluid in an effort to conserve sodium.
Salt for Bartering
In a post-SHTF scenario, salt can be used for bartering.
Roman soldiers were partially paid with salt, and the Greeks used it to trade for slaves.
With a large store of salt, you can trade for things you don’t have or can’t produce.
Salt as an Essential Survival Item
Salt isn’t just to make a steak taste good; it’s a matter of survival.
In post-SHTF, salt is probably as important for curing meat, pickling garden produces, preserving dairy, and bartering as it is as a part of your regular diet.
How to Store Salt Long-Term
Storing salt properly is essential to ensure its effectiveness when you need it.
Salt is a natural preservative and if stored appropriately for long-term storage in a cool, dry location, you can expect an indefinite shelf life.
Types of Salt
- Table Salt: This is the most common type of salt and is highly refined. It has added iodine, which is important for thyroid health. It can be stored indefinitely
- Sea Salt: This is a less refined salt that is harvested from evaporated seawater. It has a higher mineral content than table salt and can be stored indefinitely
- Pink Himalayan Salt: This salt is unrefined and has high mineral content. It’s also less likely to clump than other types of salt. Can be stored indefinitely
- Canning Salt: This salt is pure sodium chloride and has no additives. It’s used for canning and pickling and can be stored indefinitely
How Much Salt to Store
A general rule of thumb is to store 10 pounds of salt per person.
However, this amount may vary depending on your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, preppers buy salt for a variety of reasons, including food preservation, health benefits, bartering, and as an essential survival item.
Storing salt properly is essential to ensure its effectiveness when you need it.
By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that you have enough salt to meet your needs in a survival scenario.
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