Drying beads® are modified ceramic materials (aluminum silicates or “zeolites”) that specifically absorb and hold water molecules very tightly in their microscopic pores. The beads will continue to absorb water until all of their pores are filled, up to 20 to 25% of their initial weight. When placed in an enclosed space like a plastic or metal container, the beads will remove water from the air, creating and maintaining a very low humidity environment. Seeds (or other materials such as fruits or herbs) placed into a container with the beads will lose water due to the low air humidity, and will continue to do so until they come to equilibrium. Hence, desiccant-based drying simply transfers the water in the seed to the drying beads through the air without the need for heating. The beads can subsequently be removed and regenerated separately by heating at >200°C for 3-4 hours to release the absorbed water.