Cornhusk

The outer covering on an ear of corn, which can be dried, cleaned and used as a wrap for steaming food. The husk serves to enhance the food with a corn flavor, while also keeping it moist and pleasantly presented. To soften the papery substance for wrapping food, the husk should be soaked in hot water for approximately 30 to 60 minutes after which the water can be drained and the husk patted dry before completely or partially being wrapped around the food. Tamales are a food that commonly uses a cornhusk as a cooking wrapper. A variety of foods such as fish, turkey, pork tenderloin, and beef are often wrapped or placed in a husk. The husk serves as a means to steam and flavor the food while also becoming a decorative way to present the prepared dish.