What materials were used in early methods for packing perishable goods for local transport?

Answer

Saltpeter or ice

The most primitive methods for preserving perishables before mechanized cooling relied on natural resources and simple chemical aids. Goods transported over short distances or locally were often packed directly with ice harvested in winter, or sometimes with saltpeter, which contributed to the cooling effect. These early, highly localized methods contrast sharply with the sophisticated, machine-driven systems of later eras, highlighting the foundational dependence on readily available, cold materials.

What materials were used in early methods for packing perishable goods for local transport?

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