What the hell is silica gel and why is it in my package of beef jerky???

I found a website that answers that old question of what to do with those silica gel packets I find in the strangest places, like Romeo's happy hips treats and my new shoes. Just go over to My Zero Waste. Com and check out How to ReUse Silica Gel packets 8 Ways, hmmmm... I never thought about putting them in my seed box to help keep seeds fresh.