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Can you eat sweetcorn husk?

Published in Food Safety 2 mins read

No, you cannot eat sweetcorn husk. While not poisonous, corn husks are tough and fibrous, making them difficult to chew and digest.

Why You Shouldn't Eat Corn Husks

  • Texture: Corn husks are primarily composed of cellulose, a structural component of plants. This makes them quite fibrous and challenging to break down.

  • Digestibility: The human digestive system isn't well-equipped to process large amounts of cellulose. Eating corn husks could lead to digestive discomfort.

How Corn Husks Are Used (Instead of Eating)

Despite not being edible, corn husks have various culinary and other uses:

  • Tamale Wrappers: The most common use is as wrappers for tamales, where they impart a subtle corn flavor during steaming.
  • Wrapping Other Foods: Corn husks can be used to wrap other foods for grilling or baking, helping to retain moisture and add flavor.
  • Crafts: Dried corn husks can be used for various craft projects, such as making dolls or other decorative items.
  • Composting: Corn husks can be composted to add organic matter to your garden.

In summary, while corn husks are not meant to be eaten directly, they serve valuable purposes in cooking and crafting.

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