Self Sufficiency
A Homesteader’s Guide to Bartering

Want to know what priceless bartering chips you should have? I’m no survivalist but homesteaders should be prepared for any situation. Find out what you need to know about bartering.
A Homesteader’s Guide to Bartering
With homesteading, you acquire skills that make you self-sufficient and ready for almost any situation. You learn how to grow your own food and preserve them. But have you ever considered what might happen in case of a catastrophic event? Life as we know it may change and all your homesteading skills may be tested.
I’m no survivalist but I like to be prepared at all times. I can’t help but wonder some times what may happen in case of an economic collapse. All money will be worthless. What then? I guess civilization would resort to a system they’ve been using before money was invented, barter.
In case your wondering what is barter, it’s a system where people don’t use money but trade goods or services for other goods or services. In case the inevitable happens and we need to resort to this system from the olden days, better be prepared. That’s why I’m sharing to you these 16 priceless bartering chips you should have. It pays to be self-sufficient but you have to remember you still have to deal with other people to grow.
1. Cigarettes
I don’t smoke but a lot of people do. This is something you have to consider. When times get tough, cigarettes would be hard to come by that’s why it’s such a great bartering chip.
2. Alcohol
Like cigarettes, it’s a vice many people just love since it offers a temporary “relief” to the situation. Whatever kind of alcohol would be good to stock since most of it have a long shelf life. It’s also useful for its other uses such as an antiseptic or to start fire. If you’d like to brew your own beer you can follow some recipes here. And for those wine lovers, we have some wine making basics you can also try in your backyard.
3. Antibiotics and Medicine
Medicinal plants are good but people would want something they can just swallow for any pain or sickness.
4. Sanitation and First Aid Supplies
Any survivalist will tell you that they have their own first aid supply. But it always pays to have extras.
5. Bullets
I prefer peace not war but you’ll never know when you need protection especially in times of chaos. If you’re planning to stock on guns, first thing you need is proper training.
6. MRE’s or Meal, Ready-to-Eat


It’s light to carry around and offers a complete meal for a hungry person. MRE is a must have for any survival situation since you can store them up to three years.
7. Coins
These aren’t the coins that we have in circulation but those old coins that are made of silver and other metals. Since these are precious metals, you may not be able to barter using them immediately after the onset of a disaster but it will come in handy in the first phase of restructuring.
8. Laundry Detergent
This may not be the first thing that comes to mind but after wearing the same clothes day in and day out, washing them will be a luxury. You can find out how to make homemade laundry detergent here.
9. Water Bottles
Having clean water is always a necessity. You can live weeks without food but only three days without water.
10. Fire Starters


Everyone needs fire to cook food and boil water for drinking. A match box can be very important to someone who needs to keep warm in a cold night. If you’d like to do a little DIY fire starter, you can check out the tutorial here.
11. Sugar
It may not be as good as chocolates but with someone who has a sweet tooth, sugar is the closest thing you can get in difficult times.
12. Toilet Paper
I think this one is pretty much self-explanatory.
13. Water Filters/Purifiers
Water bottles can relieve your thirst, but just imagine having a supply of clean and filtered water.
14. Bleach


In a pandemic crisis, this is a major bartering item. You can use it not only for disinfecting water but also to keep clothes and living quarters sanitized. Learn how here.
15. Batteries

When the power goes out batteries kick in. You’ll need this to power flashlights and pretty much anything mobile.
16. Candles
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When there’s no power or batteries, people will need light when night comes. Emergency candles will be so important for anyone who wants to function properly in the dark. Learn how to make DIY candles with this tutorial.
Want a more in depth idea of what these bartering chips are used for? Head over to Survival Life!
What do you think of this list of bartering chip ideas fellow homesteader? Let us know in the comments section what your thoughts are on these self-sufficiency ideas. Have any homesteading projects you’d like to share? Share it with us an we’ll give it a try. We’d love to know what you think!
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Originally posted on May 29, 2015 @ 1:00 AM
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The report stated that Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio decided over the weekend to change the way the city is counting deaths.
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Self Sufficiency
How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar
The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!
This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.
So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?
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Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know
Why Make Sauerkraut?
Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.
So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
- 1 tablespoon of salt
Tools Needed:
- knife
- bowl
- mason jar
- smaller jar
- rubber band
Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients
Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.
You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.
Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.
Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips
Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.
Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt
Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.
TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.
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Step 4: Massage the Cabbage
Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.
TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.
Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar
Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.
IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.
Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar
You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.
Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.
Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band
Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.
Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily
Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.
Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures
After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.
NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.
You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.
Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut
- Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
- Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
- Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
- If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.
Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!
So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.
What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!
Fellow homesteaders, do you want to help others learn from your journey by becoming one of our original contributors? Write for us!
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9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN
Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!
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Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!
Tomato
Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.
Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.
Eggplant
Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?
Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.
Beets
Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.
If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.
Spinach
Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!
Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.
Pea
Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.
Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.
Carrot
There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.
They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.
Radish
A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.
Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.
Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.
Asparagus
Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!
Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.
All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!
So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!
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