Corn husks for tamales are the dried outer leaves of corn that are used as wrappers when making tamales. They help hold the tamale dough (masa) and filling together while steaming, giving tamales their traditional shape and texture.

There are different grades of corn husks:
 

Before use, dried corn husks need to be soaked in warm water to become pliable for wrapping. After steaming, they are not eaten, but simply peeled away before enjoying the tamale inside.