Corn Husk Uses

Husks are the outer leaves that enclose the corn's ear.

The husks are the fibrous leaves that cover the corn's ear, which are removed during the hulling process. Meso and Native Americans have used husks for different crafts since around 2,500 B.C. -- and some of these skills are still practiced today. The stiff leaves can be used to steam foods, woven into mats or made into dolls. Husks can even be infused in water to make an herbal tea.

Cuisine

One common Latin American dish that uses corn husks is tamales, which is a steam corn dumpling with meat. Typically, tamales are assembled by soaking the corn husks until they are soft and filling them with "masa" (corn flour) dough. The dough is topped by cooked shredded pork, before the husks are tied to keep them secure during the steaming process --- which can take one to two hours. This method of steaming food can also be applied to seafood. Fish, such as salmon and halibut, can be wrapped in husks and grilled on an open fire. This technique protects the fish from sticking to the grill while cooking and helps the fish to retain moisture, according to Fish & Shellfish, Grilled & Smoked" by Karen Adler and Judith M. Fertig.

Dolls

Making dolls from corn husks was a practice adopted by the children of Spanish colonists, according to Valerie Petrillo's book, "A Kid's Guide to Latino History." The husks are usually soaked to make these dolls, which are often stuffed with corn husks and tied with twine to create the head and body. The original dolls were made in both male and female versions, as braided leaves would make the arms and legs. Traditional dolls did not have any features, but contemporary versions usually have the eyes and noses drawn in, with yarn attached to create hair.

Home Décor

Corn husks can be used in lieu of straw to make place mats, door mats, seat covers and throw rugs. This practice of weaving corn husks was used by the Moors and Nanticokes (Native Americans tribes of Delaware) to create functional home items from corn waste. Additionally, husks can be shredded to be used as fodder for scarecrows or into stuff mattresses and pillows. Other techniques include braiding the plant leaves together to create baskets. The Delaware tribes used to decorate these baskets with shells and use them to carry fish or vegetables.

Homeopathic Tea

The tea that is made from corn husks has been acknowledge as having medicinal properties, according the book "Prescription for Herbal Healing" by Phyllis Balch. The husks are infused in water, and allow it to seep for five to seven minutes. The tea is a diuretic and has been acknowledged for aiding bladder and urinary tract infections. The husks have a lot of potassium, which can potentially offset any loss of potassium that might occur with frequent urination. The book also recommends consulting a physician before initiating any herbal medicinal remedy.

References

• "Better Homes and Gardens Treasury of Country Crafts and Foods"; Better Homes and Gardens; 1983
• "A Kid's Guide to Latino History"; Valerie Petrillo; 2009
• "25 Latino Craft Projects"; Ana-Elba Pavon, Diana Borrego; 2003
• "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
• "Fish & Shellfish, Grilled & Smoked"; Karen Adler, Judith M. Fertig; 2002
• "Delaware's Forgotten Folk"; Clinton Alfred Weslager, John Swientochowski, L. T. Alexander; 2006

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish