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About Corn Husk
What is Corn Husk?
Husk (or hull) in botany is the outer shell or coating of a seed. It usually refers to the leafy outer covering of an ear of maize (corn) as it grows on the plant. Literally, a husk or hull includes the protective outer covering of a seed, fruit or vegetable. To husk corn is to remove its inner layers leaving only the cob or seed rack of the corn.
How can we recycle Corn Husk?
Every year tons of corn husk is disposed as farm waste since it is considered worthless. Rather than discarding the outer layer of an ear of corn (the husk), our ancestors (Native American, Mexican, African, Anglo, etc.) put them to use in a number of ways. They wove them into placemats and moccasins, stuffed mattresses and pillows, wrapped tamales, made dolls, and much, much more! The weaving of cornhusk bags was a popular craft that almost disappeared by mid twentieth century. The art form is once again gaining immense popularity. The beautiful products made out of cornhusk are not only fashionable but also excellent examples of recycling ton of husk that would end up in garbage.
The unique weaving techniques of cornhusk is called "twinning". It requires very detailed handwork technique & high level of craft work. In some East Asian countries, corn husk weaving technique is mastered over generations & is a primary source of livelihood.
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