What are some uses for corn husks?
Corn husks are often used in cooking, most notably for wrapping traditional tamales but can also be used to wrap pork or fish for grilling or roasting. Corn on the cob can also be grilled with the outer husk still on to allow the vegetable to steam inside its natural wrapping.
Some Eastern cultures believe that corn husks have medicinal value for problems effecting the urinary tract or prostate and use them to make Corn Husk Tea. You take 8-10 husks and boil them in 2 pints of water for 30 minutes. Strain the cooled tea into a container and sweeten to taste. The husks are a natural diuretic, encouraging increased urination and lowering urine acidity which can cause the pain and inflammation associated with a bladder infection. The tea contains high amounts of vitamin K, which has been shown to improve blood clotting and may help lower blood pressure.
There are many uses for corn husks in craft making. Corn husk dolls were traditional toys that native American children enjoyed while their adult counterparts fashioned twined husk bottles and baskets. The sturdy husks were often braided, coiled or plaited and used for weaving sleep mats, rugs and even shoes. Some native tribes used corn husks for wrapping food, stuffing mattresses, and as heating fuel. The Iroquois created ceremonial masks from corn husks and those who wore them were referred to as "Husk Faces or "Bushy Heads." These were important components of both the tribe’s mid-winter ceremony and the Green Corn Ceremony in the spring.
Corn husks can be used in floral arrangements as an alternative to silk flowers. They are very easy to work with and can be dyed a variety of colors. In addition, you can make decorative bows for your arrangements with the same corn husks or use your corn husk flowers instead to make wall hangings or wreaths. With a little imagination and creativity, you can turn your excess corn husks into napkin rings, placemats, and other household items.
There are many and varied uses for corn husks. One of the most common uses for corn husks is cooking. They are often used for wrapping tamales, a Mexican dish made of cornmeal batter and shredded meat. Corn husks are also a favorite for wrapping fish and other types of seafood so they can be grilled. Other uses for corn husks include making craft projects, such as corn husk dolls and puppets. Pilgrims, pioneers, and Native-Americans found several other uses for corn husks besides making simple toys. They stuffed mattresses and cushions with corn husks, wrapped up leftover food, used them as kindling for starting fires, and found many other uses for corn husks.
