Tip: Reuse Silica Gel Packets in the Kitchen

Emily Han
Emily Han
Emily Han is a Los Angeles-based recipe developer, educator, herbalist, and author of Wild Drinks & Cocktails and co-author of Wild Remedies. For recipes and classes, check out her personal site.
published Feb 4, 2013
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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Open a bottle of vitamins, a box of new shoes, or an electronics package and you’ll often encounter a little packet of silica gel. Printed warnings usually tell you to throw it away (and don’t even think about eating it), but silica gel can actually be put to good reuse in the kitchen.

Silica gel is a form of silicon dioxide, a naturally occurring mineral. As a desiccant, it helps prevent degradation or spoilage of products that are sensitive to moisture. That’s why you’ll find the sachets in everything from a new handbag to a package of beef jerky.

Kitchen uses for silica gel are practically endless. We have the packets stashed in our spice drawer, in containers of dried fruits and herbs, and with stored kitchen tools like cast iron pans, cookie cutters, and mason jar rings.

By the way, what would happen if you ate silica gel? Nothing, says Slate. While we’d still exercise caution (and toss any open packets), it’s good to know that it’s pretty safe to have around the kitchen.

Related: Tip: Dry Metal Cookie Cutters in the Oven

(Images: 1. Emma Christensen; 2. Stuart Dow/Shutterstock)