The Ultimate Guide to Properly Storing Salt for Maximum Shelf Life

Salt should be a staple in any prepper’s stockpile because of its health benefits, flavor enhancement properties, and food preservation abilities. Salt storage amounts vary, but setting aside about 10 pounds (4.53 kg) of salt per person per year would be wise. Salt is easy to store because it is inexpensive, readily available, and practically doesn’t spoil.

Here are seven tips on how to store salt long-term:

  1. Store it in airtight glass jars.
  2. Store it in plastic bags.
  3. Store salt packages in large plastic bins or buckets.
  4. Store it in Mylar bags.
  5. Avoid paper packaging.
  6. Avoid metal containers.
  7. Use moisture absorbers.

This article will discuss the different methods for the long-term storage of salt. Then we will discuss the different types of salt and how long they can last in storage. If you’re a prepper, reading this article will be worth your while.

1. Store It in Airtight Glass Jars

Salt is hygroscopic by nature, which means it absorbs and stores water present in its environment. This is why you may sometimes find your kitchen or table salt clumpy, especially if it is not stored in a proper container.

It absorbs steam and moisture in the air, which is prevalent in kitchens, and renders it practically unusable. Storing salt in an airtight glass jar will keep moisture away.

The easiest way to store salt is to buy it prepackaged and ready-to-store from a reputable company like Patriot Supply. Their pre-packed salt is good for up to 30 years and doesn’t risk contamination by insects or vermin.

2. Store It in Plastic Bags

Some salts come in airtight plastic bags straight from the store. You can put these in storage immediately but ensure that there are no holes or tears in the packaging.

If the original packaging is damaged and oxygen gets in, it will immediately interact with the salt, cause moisture buildup, then clump the salt. You can also transfer your salt to airtight plastic containers, so you don’t have to worry about these issues.

3. Store Salt Packages in Large Plastic Bins or Buckets

You may buy smaller packages of salt and store them in bulk inside a large plastic bin or bucket. Remember to check all the original containers for any tears and holes before throwing them in.

This is an excellent option if you are not too keen on risking salt contamination. When the need arises, you can open one small package simultaneously, ensuring that the rest of your stash remains untouched.

4. Store It in Mylar Bags

Mylar bags are made of rugged, durable polyester film. They are perfect for long-term storage because they provide low oxygen transmission rates, which is an ideal environment for salt. Mylar bags offer three layers of protection from sunlight, odor, and humidity. Best of all, they are resealable and puncture-resistant.

5. Avoid Paper Packaging

Salt packaged in paper or cardboard containers may not hold up well to moisture and bugs. Over time, the packaging may deteriorate, exposing the salt within to various elements. In the long run, you may end up with clumpy, inedible, and useless salt.

Additionally, salt is corrosive, so if it starts leaking out of flimsy packaging, it may encourage rust formation on metal shelves or deterioration in wooden frames.

6. Avoid Metal Containers

Do not use metal containers for long-term storage of salt. As mentioned above, salt is corrosive. Therefore, it could damage the linings and surfaces of metal containers. Your salt would then be contaminated with rust and harmful chemicals and unfit for you to eat. The longer it stayed in the containers, the more unsafe it would become.

7. Use Moisture Absorbers

If you want to sleep better at night, fully confident that your salt stash is safe in long-term storage, go for moisture absorbers. Drop them into your glass jars, plastic containers, plastic bins, and Mylar bags. They will collect moisture from the air, if any, and prevent any foul odors from developing.

Store your salt stockpile in a cool and dry location. Keep the containers away from direct sunlight. Do not place them on the floor because they will be vulnerable to bugs, temperature fluctuations, and flooding. Place your salt containers atop shelves to keep them safe and dry.

Types of Salt and How Long Each Can Last in Storage

There are different types of salt, each with unique characteristics and uses. In an emergency or crisis, it would be beneficial to have an adequate stash of these different kinds of salt for your various needs. Salt generally lasts indefinitely, so it should be among your stockpile staples.

Here are some of the most useful types of salt and how long they usually last in storage:

Table Salt

Table salt is the regular, all-purpose salt we have in our homes to add flavor to our food. It is used to cook and season dishes (occasionally killing the odd slug or two). An anti-caking component is added to prevent it from clumping. Table salt can last indefinitely in storage.

Iodized Salt

Iodized salt has potassium iodide, dextrose (sugar), and added anti-caking ingredients. It is an excellent source of iodine, an essential mineral that promotes proper thyroid function.

Including iodized salt in your food stockpile would be advantageous because other natural sources of iodine (such as cheese, milk, and seafood) may be inaccessible during an emergency or natural disaster. Iodized salt has a shelf life of about five years.

Curing Salt

Curing salt is a smart addition to your stockpile. You can use it for preserving meat and fish because it kills harmful microorganisms, bacteria, and germs.

You can count on it to prevent foodborne illnesses, but it is not recommended for use as seasoning because it has preservatives. Curing salt does not have a long shelf life. You can go by the expiration date indicated in the packaging.

Canning and Pickling Salt

Canning and pickling salt is pure sodium chloride. It does not contain iodine, anti-caking agents, or any other additives. This type of salt is best for food preservation because its granules dissolve quickly, do not turn liquid cloudy, and do not affect the texture and color of food.

It can last indefinitely in storage, but you must pay extra attention to providing it with ideal storage conditions. The absence of anti-caking agents makes it prone to clumping.

storing Himalayan salt

Pink Himalayan Salt

Pink Himalayan salt is 98% sodium chloride. Its other components include:

  • Iron
  • Calcium
  • Copper
  • Magnesium
  • Potassium

These minerals are what give this type of salt its pink hue.

Pink Himalayan salt naturally has iodine and tastes saltier than table salt. Since it is pure salt, it can last indefinitely in storage.

Powdered Salt

What salt would be best for sprinkling over fries and popcorn other than powdered salt? Its fine consistency makes it dissolve easily and quickly get absorbed by food. You can make powdered salt by grinding any salt in a coffee grinder. Powdered salt, without additives, can last indefinitely in storage.

Conclusion

Salt, particularly pure salt, will rarely go bad if stored correctly. It is a handy addition to your food stockpile because it has a variety of uses.

You can count on salt to keep your body functioning correctly, treat ailments like sore throat, relieve dental issues, act as a trusty cleaning agent, preserve meats, season food, and even make soap. Provide it with ideal conditions for storage, and you can be sure that it will endure.

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