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THE Prepping thread - a new beginning :)

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  • monnagran wrote: »
    I get a similar reaction when I ask for tartaric acid to make my concentrated orange squash.

    You'll likely get a similar response, if you ask for Potassium Permanganate.

    They'll usually sell it to you, but only in those little 25g tubs.
  • mardatha
    mardatha Posts: 15,612 Forumite
    From zerohedge, a warning on gas prices.
    "As Europe’s gas demand grew in 2017 it turned first and foremost to Russia. Despite concerns over Russian dominance over supply, its export of “blue fuel” to Europe has grown to reach a record high 193.9 Bcf in 2017 - eight percent higher than its previous record set in 2016. It is commonly said that Russia is flooding Europe with large volumes of gas to undercut prices and keep LNG at bay. In reality there is no evidence of any price war. So far this year, prices at Europe’s two largest hubs in the United Kingdom and Netherlands rose by 25 percent while gas price at Germany’s border increased by twelve percent. Gazprom, the world’s largest gas producer, targets increased gas sales to Europe as a profit opportunity rather than a test case of irrational market behavior. Nonetheless, the surge in gas exports has led to a situation where pipeline capacity between Russia and the EU, including Ukrainian gas corridor (140 bcm/year) and Nord Stream 1(60 bcm/year) is fully booked, pushing prices to the highest level since 2015. If Gazprom decides not to renew gas transit contracts with Ukraine’s Naftogas in winter 2019 (an unlikely but possible scenario), a major gas price hike may be in store for Europe.
    Europe’s hub prices are already nearing the Asian LNG price level--the world’s premium gas market and highest global price benchmark."
    https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-06-13/european-natural-gas-war-heats-prices-rise
  • Just a thought but if after Brexit should it ever happen we lost the workforce from eastern Europe would anyone else consider going back to doing seasonal fruit picking like we did when I was younger? you were paid by the number of punnets you picked and didn't always get a place on the 'gang' every day but had to be there early enough to stand a chance. It's hard work but I think I would have a go and invest my earnings in produce to make jam with and for freezing. I would hop pick too but I don't think I'd be tempted by potato picking that's back breaking. Mind you there's probably a machine for some things now isn't there?
  • mardatha
    mardatha Posts: 15,612 Forumite
    I did berry picking and found it easy but that's when I was in high school :). I think potatoes are done with machines now, never hear of anybody going to the tatties now. I do remember my mum thought it was good money. I suppose the way things are going people will be forced to do it though or else get no money.
  • DigForVictory
    DigForVictory Posts: 12,072 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I used to buy copper sulphate for chemistry experiments from our local pharmacy. Potassium permanganate was weighed out for me as my usage was known & sanctioned - whereas another woman was told they didn't stock it & I was hustled out by my mother before I could comment. I later realised the lady in question was looking for something her clients could wash with to discourage VD. Whereas greatuncle (keen golfer) swore by it for preventing infections of the feet - tell you, keeping the young informed was a challenge a few decades ago! Mum muttered something about anti-tetanus but that wouldn't help itchy toes from athletes foot. (Absolutely the wrong complaint to contract while several months pregnant - but by then it was Too Late - staining my feet purple was no longer possible or permissible, so husband had to apply cold ticklish unguent to wriggling complaining wife - all excellent practice...)

    Menthol crystals are available in tiny portions (but frankly, just as well).
    Potassium nitrate (which we use to convert string to slowmatch & to boost charcloth) is definitely watched over, but happily garden centres still sell it by the kilo. Anyone ordering over 25kg is likely to get a visit!

    You can buy salt petre? And me with a tin gently turning noxious in the garden shed, ready for the chaps to make their own black powder this summer. Ah well, mischief will be managed somehow & I really can't cook with it.
  • Whereas great uncle (keen golfer) swore by it for preventing infections of the feet

    Potassium Permanganate is usable as an anti-fungal treatment, as well as being an antiseptic and a drinking water steriliser.

    Also, Saltpeter and Potassium Nitrate are the same thing.
  • DigForVictory
    DigForVictory Posts: 12,072 Forumite
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    I love this board! I learn new things Daily - bless you Bob!

    I'll ask the chaps what they think of the idea of spiced beef & explain our quickmatch chemical is an ingredient - I fear they may come over all squeamish - tho if they think I mean the evaporating tin chemistry they would have reason.

    Besides, himself is reading some book on preserving (I think he has hopes I'll make him strawberry jam in the same volume I make mango chutney) and I think he wants to try making jerky in the dehydrator. He's not suggested what cut of meat (other than dashed lean) is suggested - has anyone tried?!
  • ancientofdays
    ancientofdays Posts: 2,913 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 1,000 Posts
    I haven't tried making jerk because I've tried it and disliked it but I've seen it made from all sorts, beef, kangaroo, ostrich. Would it make tge dehydrator a bit pong though?
    I was jumping to conclusions and one of them jumped back
  • DigForVictory
    DigForVictory Posts: 12,072 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Possibly, but it's wonderful what bicarb of soda can do.
    Preceded & followed by copious amounts of scrubbing with hot soapy water & rinsing thoroughly.

    Leaving bits of fruit ring adhering to the racks definitely causes mixed flavours, but sons *liked* apple rings with a twist of mango. (I still prefer dusting with cinnamon.)

    I purchased eldest ostrich burgers once - he liked them but not enough to justify the cost (£6 a pair! Still, his birthday money.)

    There some cut of beef that's said to make wonderful jerky & you have of course to slice it seriously thin - but can I find that page in the right book? Not for the last two days, no.

    I shall harrumph off & hunt a desk for youngest & with luck I'll have forgotten the jerky project & the book will be on the top of the heap when we get back!
  • DigForVictory
    DigForVictory Posts: 12,072 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    So much for forgetting. Son peered thoughtfully then dropped a lump of beef into the trolley.

    Then got down the dehydrator & has washed it.

    Tell you, he's as subtle as a mutt but a bit more opposable thumb smart about it.
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