Save Corn Silk, Brew a Healing Tea Instead
Fresh corn on the cob is a delightful addition to any summer barbecue, and elotes are a beloved dish in many cultures with various preparations. However, the process of removing the husks and silk can be tedious and messy, often leading people to discard them after use. But there’s an alternative — you don’t have to throw away the silk. For generations, people around the world have utilized corn silk in teas, both as a relaxing drink and for its potential health benefits. With just two ingredients in its simplest form, it’s one of the easiest ways to repurpose corn silk instead of throwing it away.
Once you’ve found a hassle-free way to remove corn silk, you can cut it up and either dry it or use it fresh. You can place it in a tea ball or strainer, add boiling water, and let it steep for about five minutes. Alternatively, you can add the silk directly to a mug or kettle and strain it out at the end. From there, you can sweeten it with sugar or another sweetener, or incorporate the tea into other drinks and foods as a flavor enhancer. There are also several Asian brands that sell pre-made corn silk tea if you find yourself really enjoying this unique beverage, though it’s best not to consume it excessively.
Read more:
The Most Famous Secret Recipes In Food And Drink History
Corn silk tea is not only easy to make but also has a distinct and pleasant flavor, along with a comforting aroma. It is lightly sweet and smooth, with earthy undertones and a lingering corn taste. You can enjoy it hot or cold, whether sweetened with a splash of maple syrup or served plain. It can even be added to other teas to enhance their own flavors.
Healthy corn silk indicates healthy corn (the basis of the “silk test”), so it should come as no surprise that it’s beneficial for human health as well. It is very low in calories, with only 5 per cup, and is caffeine-free. A 2019 study suggested that corn silk tea may help reduce symptoms of hypertension when used alongside regular medication. However, corn silk isn’t a miracle cure. Many claims suggest that corn silk tea, known as oksusu cha in Korea, can aid with conditions like inflammation, digestive issues, urinary tract infections, and indigestion. These claims, however, haven’t been widely studied. Even if the health benefits remain unproven, the taste and simplicity of making this tea make it worth trying.
Other ways you can use corn silk
If you prefer to stick with traditional black or green tea, there are still other ways to make use of leftover corn silk. One option is to create an extract from it, which may offer benefits for everything from eye pain to joint inflammation, according to traditional herbal medicine. It can even serve as a natural food dye.
In terms of culinary uses, you can fry the silk and eat it as a garnish. The texture becomes crispy and crunchy, making it a great addition to salads, stir-fries, and more. For a savory twist, you can boil the silk in water to infuse broths and soups with an extra layer of earthy flavor. You can also leave the silk on the corn while cooking it — this allows the silk to burn off during grilling, leaving behind a smoky taste.
For more food and drink inspiration, join The Takeout’s newsletter and add us as a preferred search source. Get taste tests, food and drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more!
Read the original article on The Takeout.
- Dana Rumah Keluarga, TETFund dan Investor Swasta Memimpin Inisiatif Nasional PPP untuk Proyek Perumahan Mahasiswa Harapan Baru - November 4, 2025
- Panduan Indonesia Pintar 2025 untuk Siswa SD hingga SMA - November 4, 2025
- 100 Soal Pilihan Ganda Matematika SMP Kelas 7 Semester 1 Kurikulum Merdeka + Kunci Jawaban - November 4, 2025
Leave a Reply