peppercorns traded like currency
It is suggested one store a reasoonable amount of salt whether you use much or not. Alot of people do not. But others do, and it is good traading stock.
There’s lots of good barter items: ammo, primary medicines, cigarettes, ammo, spices, batteries, ammo, various 2-way radios, scopes, ammo, lighters, knives, ammo...