I’m not sure that “how to store salt” was anyone’s to-do list while growing up, not even now as preppers. I mean, we discuss so much food stockpiling that we neglect some of the specific ingredients that require their special care. However, it’s easy to see things are changing. Salt is now becoming a more critical substance than we recognized it to be. It’s always been important; it’s always been our perception, and I attribute that to its commonness. I mean, this white crystal was always in everything we ate & drank.
But, again, those are past times. It’s about time to realize the importance of salt, know the best ways to store it & some essential pieces of knowledge to be aware of.
Why Should You Store Salt for When SHTF?
Health Purposes
Edible sodium has always been a daily health requirement due to its regulating function in several bodily processes. Salt helps to maintain balanced fluid levels and blood pressure, and it also helps in nerve & muscle operations. Yes, some people live without eating salt; nonetheless, it is a necessary ingredient, although it must not be taken in excess.
Food Preservation
Salt can squeeze water out of its immediate environment, and that’s what we’ll take advantage of. This may explain why bacteria & other microorganisms never flourish in the presence of salt. While this is bad for these poor things, it is just what we may need. You can always use good salt to preserve your foods.
Taste
Salt influences the foods we eat. Depending on how much you add, salt can make your food salty, bitter, or sweet. Therefore, if you’re heading to the wild, I believe a natural food enhancer with a couple of health benefits would be an excellent inclusion.
Bartering
Thanks to the apparent benefits of salt, it is a great bargaining chip when shit hits the fan. There are various instances throughout history that have seen salt as a means of exchange. So, if you’re a good negotiator, you can always get what you need with your stockpile of salt, don’t you think?
Different Types of Salts
The need to differentiate the different types of salt is quite pressing. Knowing that there are various salt kinds will help to know if you’re storing the right item and determine how to use it in foods & for other purposes. The most familiar five types of salt are:
Sea Salt
This salt type is obtained from the evaporation of seawater. Sea salt is commonly used for all food preparation procedures & works great as a preservative too. When properly stored, this salt will be good forever.
Table Salt
Table salt (sodium chloride) is among the commonest salt types used. It is typically a product of mining underground deposits & usually had to be very processed to render it healthy for consumption. Table salt should last indefinitely on the shelf, but it may not, due to the addition of certain additives by some brands. Ensure to read your labels when shopping.
Iodized Salt
Iodized salt is also as common as table salt, with the major noticeable difference being that the former contains iodine, an additive. True, iodine is a necessary body nutrient, but the continuous use of this salt will make it excessive in the body. Iodized salt works fine as food seasoning & preservative too, but it lasts only five years.
Himalayan Salt
Himalayan salt is mined from Pakistan & is identified by its pinkish look, which is because of the minerals in it. This salt has several health benefits, can be used to season foods & can be used for decoration. Himalayan salt should last for eternity if it is protected from moisture.
Canning Salt
Canning salt is also known as pickling salt. It is a form of pure salt that contains zero additives & will keep liquids in the canning procedure nice & clear. Canning salt will last indefinitely in its purest form, but if your brand has added any additives, it may be affected.
Various Considerations on How to Store Salt
Pure salt does not become spoilt as foods do traditionally. Foods spoil due to bacteria & other microorganisms, but most of these won’t grow at all in salt. Moisture is the primary enemy of salt, as it will cause it to harden after clumping up, thus dissolving the crystals. The more the water presence in salt, the less effective it becomes for its intended purpose.
The Container to Store in
The perfect container to store salt in has to be airtight & watertight. However, it should not be a metal container as salt is corrosive. The ideal containers have to be plastic, glass, vacuum-sealed bags, or mylar bags.
Whatever the container used, you have to remove as much air as you can with a vacuum cleaner after washing the container.
Where to Store the Container
Like many food products, salt had to be kept in a cool, dry place — so any place exposed to direct sunlight is a no-no. Speaking of temps, room temperature is okay, but this does not mean you should keep it frozen. Your containers can be kept in garages, basements, cabinets, or pantries.
Note that even if your containers are well sealed, do not store them close to humid areas like above a store or a kitchen sink.
Other Survival Uses of Salt
Cleaning
Salt is an excellent abrasive agent that can be used for cleaning general surfaces. And of course, salt is a safer alternative to harmful chemicals since it is safe even for cooking.
Desiccant
Salt can be used to absorb moisture from items. You can use salt to draw out moisture from your smartphone when it falls in water or for any such purpose.
Conclusion on How to Store Salt
Knowing how to store salt is an excellent piece of knowledge to have when things go wrong. Store your jars of salt properly now to be prepared when trouble comes. What do you think we have missed? Let’s hear you.
