Dried husks infuse meals with a warm, aromatic corn flavor and are best known for wrapping traditional tamales. Start with corn husks for tamales, soft masa, and seasoned fillings, and you’ll have a classic, comforting Southwestern dish in no time.
At Loma Vista Products, our premium corn husks for sale are perfect for any home cook looking to make authentic homemade tamales. Packaged and selected with care, we have the best corn husks for tamales processed right here in the Southwest—straight from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
With over 70 years of experience in the New Mexican food industry and a deep connection to traditional ingredients, we know just how versatile these dried corn leaves can be and want you to know too. Below, we’ve explained how to prep, store, and cook with corn husks so you can create delicious tamales and more.
3 Easy Steps To Prep Dried Corn Husks for Cooking
Cooking with corn husks is simple and adds a rustic flair to your meals. Their role is similar to parchment paper or foil. They’re like nature’s original wrapper, designed to keep meals juicy and flavorful while baking or steaming.
Here’s how to prep them like an expert:
1. Sort and Rinse the Corn Husks
Start by sorting through your dried husks and set aside any that are too small, torn, or overly rough. The best corn husks for wrapping are wide, long, and papery. They fold easily and are less likely to tear or leak.
Look for pale yellow husks with a uniform texture. Give them a gentle rinse under cool water to remove any dust, silk, or debris.
2. Soak Them in Warm Water
Next, place the husks in a large bowl, pot, or clean sink and pour warm water over them. Make sure they’re fully submerged and the water isn’t too hot—boiling water may lead to cracking.
Use a plate, bowl, or heavy utensil to keep them weighed down, and let them soak for 30 to 60 minutes, or until they’re soft and pliable. Keep in mind that husks often double in size after rehydration!
Some cooks like to add a pinch of salt or bay leaves to the water for a light, aromatic touch. It subtly enhances the fragrance as they soak.
3. Drain and Pat Dry
Finally, drain the water, shake off the excess moisture, and gently pat them dry with a clean towel. You want them damp, not dripping.
Now they’re ready to wrap and steam! Simply spread your masa dough on corn husks, add filling, wrap them tightly, and then steam them until cooked through.
Soaking corn husks for tamales is a fairly simple and fast process. Some home cooks like to soak the husks overnight in cold water for ultra-pliability and less mess the next day.
If the temptation to skip the husks is still there even after going through these steps, let’s explore reasons why these wonderful leaves are a great addition to your pantry for tamales and more.
Why Corn Husks Are Used in Traditional Tamales
In today’s modern kitchen, you’ll find alternatives like foil-wrapped or parchment paper tamales. While these no corn husk tamales can be convenient, they don’t deliver the same flavor, aroma, or experience as traditional corn tamale husks.
Corn husks are just as practical and offer so much more. They’re an essential part of what makes a tamale feel (and taste) like a homemade tamale. Below are some reasons why corn husks are the best way to wrap tamales:
- Infuses a subtle, fragrant corn aroma while steaming
- Helps steam circulate evenly for better texture and flavor
- Naturally nonstick without the residue of foil or parchment
- Enhances presentation with a traditional, handmade look
- Carries cultural meaning and authenticity
And that’s why wrapping tamales with authentic dried corn husks is the way to go!
At Loma Vista Products, we offer high-quality dried corn husks for tamales and more. While tamales may be the star, corn husks are versatile enough to elevate all kinds of meals. The same benefits that make them great for tamales can add flavor, structure, and rustic flair to many other dishes.
Other Uses of Corn Husks in the Kitchen
Tamales may be where corn husks shine, but they’re far from a one-recipe wonder. Their flexibility, aroma, and structure make them useful in many ways. From steaming to plating, the uses of corn husks go beyond just tradition and culture.
Below are a few culinary ideas for how to make the most of nature’s wrapper in your kitchen.
Grilling or Smoking Wraps
Soaked corn husks can be used to wrap meats, fish, or vegetables before grilling or smoking. They help lock in moisture and infuse a light, toasty corn aroma while protecting food from direct heat.
Steam Liners
Line the bottom of a steamer basket with dried corn leaves to prevent sticking and enhance aroma. It’s a simple way to upgrade the flavor and presentation of steamed dumplings, buns, or rice cakes.
Stock or Broth
Simmer your leftover husks into a light, fragrant broth that adds depth to soups. It’s a great way to reduce waste while boosting flavor. It adds a toasty corn aroma and gentle sweetness to any broth.
Corn Husk Tea
Boil clean, dried husks and corn silk in water to make a light, earthy tea. Corn husk tea has been used in traditional remedies for centuries and offers a naturally calming, caffeine-free option.
Corn husks are incredibly versatile. Outside of the kitchen, many use tamale leaves for crafting, tinder, and gardening projects. Their biodegradable nature means they always find a use around the home.
Once you’ve explored all the ways to use them, the next step is making sure your corn husks stay fresh and ready for whenever inspiration strikes.
How to Store Corn Husks Properly
Corn husks are shelf-stable, but like any dried ingredient, they stay freshest when stored with care.
Transfer your husks to an airtight container or large zip-top bag. This keeps out dust, moisture, and pantry pests.
Store them in a cool, dry place, like a pantry shelf or cabinet, away from heat and humidity. Avoid the fridge or freezer, as they can introduce moisture and make the husks brittle. If stored properly, dried corn husks can last up to a year or more without losing quality.
If you’re looking for where to buy corn husks that will last and are of top-notch quality, look no further than Loma Vista Products. From home cooks to wholesale customers, we offer carefully packaged husks that are selected for freshness and quality.
Cook With Our Premium Corn Husks for Tamales Today
At Loma Vista Products, we hand-select and prepare our husks to make your cooking experience easier, more flavorful, and true to tradition. With over 30 years of wholesale experience, we take pride in shipping trusted ingredients to kitchens across the Southwest and beyond.
Not sure where to start? Try our Tamale Recipe Pack. It’s complete with husks, seasonings, and a recipe card to guide you step by step. It’s everything you need to make tamales at home.
Order our premium corn husks for tamales today and start cooking authentic tamales from the heart!