Components of the Ears of Corn

Cobs

• Corn kernels grow along cobs in ears of corn. Cobs are not edible and many people discard them after eating the corn kernels or shelling them off. Cobs, however, serve many useful purposes. On farms cobs are grounded and used to make bedding for cattle, chickens and hogs. Ground cobs also make filler for cattle feed. Used whole, cobs fill in mud holes in animal feeding lots. Dried out they are used for kindling just like fire wood. Old, hard, dry corn cobs make effective hard brushes for cleaning heavily soiled garments. "Countryside" magazine offers a recipe for making jelly from boiled corn cobs.

Corn Kernels

• Corn kernels are the edible parts of corn ears. They develop in many colors, including yellow, white, blue and red. Their culinary uses are almost innumerable. Boiled on the cob, kernels may be eaten directly from their base. The kernel contains most of the starch in corn. Under extreme heat, the moisture in the kernel starch causes dried kernels to explode, resulting in what is eaten as popped corn. The majority of corn raised in the U.S. is used to feed farm animals, but kernels are also ground and used to make meal and flour for human consumption.

Husks

• Husks are the layers of green plant leaves that serve as protective coverings for corn ears. Corn husks are usually the first part of corn ears that are discarded when people prepare to cook the kernels. Unassuming like often neglected cobs, husks have alternate uses as well. Mexicans, in particular, reuse husks for their protective nature and wrap up meat and cornmeal in to make tamales. Husks are resilient and when dried out are used in many arts and crafts projects including home decor and doll and mattress stuffing.

Silk

• Corn silk are stamens of the corn plant. They are identifiable as thin, fibrous strands that layer the inside of husks. They often emerge through the tops of covered cobs. When cobs are being stripped for cooking, corn silk is usually discarded with the husks. Ground corn silk is added to face powders for its drying effects. According to WebMD, despite lack of clinical evidence, corn silk is consumed for the relief of bladder infections, prostate and urinary tract inflammation. It is believed by many to be able to regulate diabetes and lower high blood pressure.