How to dry corn husks for tamales

Now it is corn season, and beside enjoying grilled or boiled corn, I have the opportunity to preserve the husks for tamales.

Since in Tirana it is impossible to find dried corn husks, because no market sells them I have to dry my own corn husks, after all it does not require any special equipment or skills.

PREPARATION:

  • Selection:

Discard all corn husks that show mold signs and those who are very thick.

  • Cutting:

Cut the edges of each corn husks as shown in the pictures below:

Then, fill a large bowl with warm water and put the corn husks in. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. All the dirt will precipitate in the bottom. Wash each corn husk under running water to clean them well.

Let them drain overnight.

The following day preheat the oven to 60°C and line the corn husks between two baking trays in a single layer. Dry the husks for about 1 hour and a half. This is called pasteurizing and it kills all the bacteria from the corn husks. Keep the dry corn husks in a ziplock bag.

6 Comments

  1. after you dry corn husks in oven can they be frozen for future use?

    1. No, there is no need for freezing

  2. Hi. I noticed you mentioned Tirana, are you in Albania? If so I’m looking for a recipe for a cake I had when I was in Corcia. Let me know if your able to help. Thanks

    1. Hi Nancy, tell me, maybe I know the recipe. How was this cake you had in Korça?

  3. Hi Folks, Here in the States my oven doesn’t go down to 140 degrees. Can I do these at 170 degrees or would that char them?

    1. Yes, it should be fine. For safety, place a wooden spoon between the oven and the oven door to prevent total closure. It will ensure a lower temperature and prevent them from charring. Anyway check often.

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