cornhusk

Cornhusk refers to the dry leafy outer covering of a maize (corn) ear. The husk consists of several leaf-like bracts that surround the ear and the silk, the threadlike structures that emerge from the kernel. Fresh husks are green, but they dry to tan or brown as the plant matures. The husk is distinct from the inner kernels and from the silk, which serves as the pollen catchers during flowering. The husk is primarily a protective sleeve for the ear and is not typically eaten due to its fibrous texture.

Uses of corn husks are diverse. In cooking, dried corn husks are used as natural wrappers for steaming foods such as tamales in many Latin American and North American cuisines. They create a cooking container that protects the filling while allowing steam to circulate; the husk is removed before eating. Culinary use relies on proper soaking and handling to avoid tearing.

Corn husks also have extensive traditional and modern crafting applications. They are used to make dolls, baskets, mats, and other decorative items in various cultures. The husks can be dried and woven or braided, and they may be processed into fibers for coarse textiles or paper.

As an agricultural byproduct, dried corn husks are employed as animal bedding, mulch, compost material, or, in some regions, as a fuel source. They contribute to waste reduction by recycling plant byproducts into useful applications and decompose readily in suitable conditions. Harvesting removes the husks along with the ears, leaving the stalks to remain in the field.