Prospering Post Apocalypse: Salt as Gold

[Bob A]

@tallen702 recommended a book to me: Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky, and it came as an awakening to me to realise the surprising value of salt in a pre-refrigeration economy. After all, who thinks about something so commonplace and easily come by?

Nevertheless, it has throughout history been a necessity, the production and control of which has made fortunes, been controlled by kings, and promoted trade.

Being able to provide a constant supply of salt, one would be able to preserve vegetables and meats, hides, fish -- all manner of necessities in a time when refrigeration will be dependent on availability and storage of ice, and perishable foodstuff preservation becomes a matter of life or death.

Something to think about? Anyway, an interesting book; so far I'm only halfway thru its 450+ pages. Amazon has copies.

 

[biermkr]

Ghandi approves of this post

 

[mpollan1]

King Arthur's round table was such in order that all seated were equidistant from the salt shaker

 

[Alea Jacta Est]

Tractor Supply FTW.

 

[N3uka]

But my thousand year old himalayan pink sea salt has an expiration date. What would I do with expired salt.

 

[Alan3413]

Harvest the neighbors for their salt

 

[Threeband]

But my thousand year old himalayan pink sea salt has an expiration date. What would I do with expired salt.

"...if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."

 

[Bob A]

Joke around all you want. The guy who knows how to make salt in quantity will own your ass.

As for me, I hope to be peacefully dead by the time the info is needed.

 

[Jim12]

When Salt Was Traded for Gold: The Salt Trade of West Africa that Built Kingdoms and Spread Culture

In West Africa during the Medieval period, salt was traded for gold. This may seem astonishing as salt is a cheap commodity in today’s society. It may be added that salt is easily available today which was not the case in ancient times.

www.ancient-origins.net

James Rawles: Salt Will Be The #1 Bartering Item | Ready Nutrition

Salt is a valuable commodity that could become hard to come by in a long term disaster situation. In Ancient Rome, salt was used as a form of currency because of it's importance in preserving food. In fact, it is still used today as a form of currency in some parts of Africa.

readynutrition.com

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

As part of the nation's central bank, the Atlanta Fed plays an important role in monetary policy, bank supervision and regulation, and the operation of a nationwide payments system.

www.atlantafed.org

Origin of the Expression 'Worth Your Salt'

When we say someone is worth their salt, we mean literally that he or she earns whatever reward they get, which usually refers to their paycheck, but can also simply denote a person who is worthy of respect or admiration. But how did salt come to be a measurement of worth? It is very simple. The e

culinarylore.com

 

[Jim12]

Some NaCl and related resources for fans and critics...

When Salt Was Traded for Gold: The Salt Trade of West Africa that Built Kingdoms and Spread Culture

In West Africa during the Medieval period, salt was traded for gold. This may seem astonishing as salt is a cheap commodity in today’s society. It may be added that salt is easily available today which was not the case in ancient times.

www.ancient-origins.net

James Rawles: Salt Will Be The #1 Bartering Item | Ready Nutrition

Salt is a valuable commodity that could become hard to come by in a long term disaster situation. In Ancient Rome, salt was used as a form of currency because of it's importance in preserving food. In fact, it is still used today as a form of currency in some parts of Africa.

readynutrition.com

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

As part of the nation's central bank, the Atlanta Fed plays an important role in monetary policy, bank supervision and regulation, and the operation of a nationwide payments system.

www.atlantafed.org

Origin of the Expression 'Worth Your Salt'

When we say someone is worth their salt, we mean literally that he or she earns whatever reward they get, which usually refers to their paycheck, but can also simply denote a person who is worthy of respect or admiration. But how did salt come to be a measurement of worth? It is very simple. The e

culinarylore.com

Salt: Is It Healthy or Unhealthy?

Salt, also known as sodium chloride, is abundant in most people's diets. This article explores whether salt is healthy or unhealthy.

www.healthline.com

Heart failure and salt: The great debate - Harvard Health

...

www.health.harvard.edu

Sodium and Health

How to reduce sodium intake plus resources for health professionals.

www.cdc.gov

Salt Beauty and Wellness

CHECK OUT OUR SALON AND SPA MENUS AND BOOK YOUR SERVICES TODAY!

saltislove.com

Home - Himalayan Salt and Wellness Cave

Welcome to our Salt CaveHimalayan Salt & Wellness Cave You've just found your new oasis and the alternative you've been looking for to support your health and well-being in a natural and nurturing way. From the benefits of salt therapy to the healing and relaxation of Reiki, reflexology...

himalayansaltnwellness.com

Salt n' Sauna Wellness I Halotherapy & Infrared Sauna I Alpharetta GA

Salt n' Sauna Wellness is a luxury wellness studio that offers complete body detox for achieving optimal health and wellness with Halotherapy (Dry Salt Therapy), Infrared Sauna, and Reflexology. Salting and Sweating is the body's safe and natural way to a Healthier You!

www.saltnsauna.com

 

[Alphabrew]

Amazon product ASIN B0047TABOU

 

[Jimgoespewpew]

Now that Jimmy's dead, I guess I never will find my lost shaker of salt.

 

[King Chicken]

Joke around all you want. The guy who knows how to make salt in quantity will own your ass.

As for me, I hope to be peacefully dead by the time the info is needed.

 

[Bullfrog]

Harvest the neighbors for their salt

Nancy Crater approves of this message.

Crewman Darnell could not be reached for comment.

 

[mpollan1]

Joke around all you want. The guy who knows how to make salt in quantity will own your ass.

As for me, I hope to be peacefully dead by the time the info is needed.

This too is my hope for myself Bob. I have no kids but my wife is 12 years my junior. I fear for her daily as she is the antithesis of self reliancy.

 

[Growler215]

The production of salt from seawater isn't complicated. Evaporating 4 gallons of seawater yields over a pound of salt. Can also be extracted from brackish sources but yield will be lower for the same energy expended.

It's a good idea to have a lot of salt stored - it's cheap and has an infinite shelf life. But when that runs out, those who don't live close enough to the ocean to produce their own should find plenty of people who do willing to trade salt for other things.

 

[Occam]

… find plenty of people who do willing to trade salt for other things.

All the salt I’ll need looks like ammo or those little hotel room bottles of booze. And dental floss.

 

[Growler215]

All the salt I’ll need looks like ammo or those little hotel room bottles of booze. And dental floss.

Or eggs, fresh vegetables, venison jerky,....

 

[Blacksmith101]

Just note the location of the nearest DOT salt dome and if SHTF get there early to stock up.

 

[Squaregrouper]

Just note the location of the nearest DOT salt dome and if SHTF get there early to stock up.
View attachment 452000

This actually makes sense.
We should be far more concerned about potable water during a SHTF scenario. I have ~25lbs of salt and those of us in suburban areas will all be dead long before my 25lbs runs out.