{"product_id":"corn-silk-tea-stigma-maydis-pelo-de-elote-rau-ngo-100g","title":"Corn Silk Tea — Pelo de Elote \/ Râu Ngô \/ Yu Mi Xu Dried Stigma Maydis, Loose Maize Silk, Caffeine-Free Mild Sweet Infusion, 100 Gram","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"background:#f5f5f5;border-left:4px solid #2e7d6e;padding:16px 20px;margin-bottom:24px;border-radius:4px\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Summary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eCorn Silk Tea is made from the dried style-and-stigma strands of \u003cem\u003eZea mays\u003c\/em\u003e — the fine, thread-like fibers found at the top of a corn ear. Known as \u003cem\u003eStigma maydis\u003c\/em\u003e in botanical and pharmacopeial terminology, \u003cem\u003ePelo de Elote\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003eBarba de Elote\u003c\/em\u003e in Spanish, \u003cem\u003eYu Mi Xu\u003c\/em\u003e (玉米须) in Chinese, and \u003cem\u003eRâu Ngô\u003c\/em\u003e in Vietnamese, this is the same ingredient across all those names. This 100-gram pack contains loose dried corn silk strands for hot infusion or iced tea. The flavor is mild, subtly sweet, and lightly corn-like — gentle and easy to drink. This is not a powder, roasted corn tea, tea bag, or instant drink mix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Caffeine-free mild infusions, light iced tea, gentle pantry teas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Aroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mild, subtly sweet, lightly corn-like, smooth and silky finish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKey Characteristics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Loose dried silk strands, caffeine-free, no additives, 100g net weight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003ch2\u003eProduct Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:0.95em\"\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#f0f0f0\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eZea mays\u003c\/em\u003e L. — styles and stigmas (Stigma maydis)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003eCorn Silk, Maize Silk, Pelo de Elote \/ Barba de Elote (Spanish), Yu Mi Xu 玉米须 (Chinese), Râu Ngô (Vietnamese), Stigma maydis (pharmacopeial)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#f0f0f0\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Family\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003ePoaceae (Grass family)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003eLoose dried silk strands (not powder, tea bags, roasted corn, or instant mix)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#f0f0f0\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNet Weight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003e100 grams (1 pack)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003eMaize-growing regions (Asia, Americas)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#f0f0f0\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor Profile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003eMild, subtly sweet, lightly corn-like, smooth, silky finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003eHot infusion, iced tea, light herbal blending\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#f0f0f0\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaffeine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003eNone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShelf Life\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003e24 months sealed; best within 12 months of opening\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background:#f0f0f0\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSKU\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #ddd\"\u003e1MCMS-02042025\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCorn silk is the collective name for the long, thread-like styles and stigmas that emerge from the top of a corn ear (\u003cem\u003eZea mays\u003c\/em\u003e). Each strand is the female reproductive structure of a single corn kernel — a corn ear with 400 kernels has 400 individual silk strands. The strands are harvested before or just after pollination, then dried for use as a botanical ingredient. Fresh corn silk is pale yellow to light green; dried silk ranges from golden yellow to light brown.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eZea mays\u003c\/em\u003e belongs to the Poaceae (grass) family and is one of the world’s most widely cultivated crops, grown across the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Corn silk has been used as a botanical ingredient across multiple cultures: in traditional Chinese practice it is recorded as \u003cem\u003eYu Mi Xu\u003c\/em\u003e (玉米须) in the Chinese pharmacopeia; in Latin American folk tradition it is known as \u003cem\u003ePelo de Elote\u003c\/em\u003e (hair of the corn) or \u003cem\u003eBarba de Elote\u003c\/em\u003e (beard of the corn); in Vietnam it is called \u003cem\u003eRâu Ngô\u003c\/em\u003e (corn whiskers) and is a common home-brewed tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCultural \u0026amp; Culinary Background\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCorn silk tea has a long tradition as a simple home-brewed beverage across Asia and Latin America. In Vietnam, \u003cem\u003enước râu ngô\u003c\/em\u003e is a familiar household drink — a few handfuls of dried corn silk simmered or steeped in water, served warm or chilled, often lightly sweetened with sugar or honey. It is sold in markets, served in casual restaurants, and prepared at home as an everyday caffeine-free drink, particularly in summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn China, \u003cem\u003eYu Mi Xu\u003c\/em\u003e tea is a recognized ingredient in traditional Chinese dietary culture, brewed as a simple infusion or combined with other mild botanicals. In Mexico and Central America, \u003cem\u003ePelo de Elote\u003c\/em\u003e tea is traditionally prepared by simmering the fresh or dried silk in water, sometimes with a cinnamon stick or piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar). The dried loose-leaf format in this listing brings all of these traditions into a single shelf-stable, home-brewing ingredient.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTraditionally enjoyed as a simple hot or iced infusion across Vietnam, China, and Latin America\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKnown by distinct names in at least 4 language traditions — all referring to the same ingredient\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCaffeine-free — suitable for any time of day, including evenings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMild, approachable flavor — easy for first-time herbal tea drinkers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLoose strand format gives full visibility into the ingredient and control over strength\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow to Brew — Hot Infusion\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMeasure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use 2–4 grams of dried corn silk per 300 ml (about 1 cup) of water. The material is lightweight and airy — 2–4g is a small, loose handful.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeat water:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bring water to 90–95°C (just below a full boil). Avoid a hard rolling boil, which can make the infusion slightly more astringent.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSteep:\u003c\/strong\u003e Place silk in a fine-mesh strainer, infuser, or teapot. Pour hot water over and steep covered for 8–12 minutes. Covering the vessel helps hold the delicate aroma.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrain carefully:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use a fine strainer — the silk strands are thin and can pass through coarse strainers. Strain into cup before drinking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eServe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Enjoy plain, or add a small amount of honey or a slice of fresh ginger. A cinnamon stick is a traditional Latin American addition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdjust:\u003c\/strong\u003e If the cup tastes too faint, increase steep time or use slightly more silk. If stronger than expected, dilute with hot water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow to Brew — Cold Brew \/ Iced Tea\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHot-brew first:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brew a stronger hot infusion (4–5g per 300ml, steep 10–12 minutes), then strain well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCool:\u003c\/strong\u003e Let the brewed tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eServe over ice:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pour over ice. The chilled version is clean, lightly sweet, and easy to sip.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptional additions:\u003c\/strong\u003e A squeeze of lemon, a few mint leaves, or a slice of fresh ginger work well in the iced version.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStorage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep refrigerated and consume within 48 hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCulinary Applications \u0026amp; Blend Ideas\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlain infusion:\u003c\/strong\u003e The simplest approach — brewed alone, the mild corn-like sweetness is easy to appreciate without additions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWith honey:\u003c\/strong\u003e A small amount of honey rounds the natural sweetness without masking the corn-silk character.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWith lemongrass:\u003c\/strong\u003e Add a stalk of dried lemongrass for a bright, citrusy lift — a popular pairing in Vietnamese-style corn silk drinks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWith ginger:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh or dried ginger adds warmth and a gentle spice that complements the mild base.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWith mint:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh mint makes the iced version feel cleaner and more refreshing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWith cinnamon:\u003c\/strong\u003e A cinnamon stick during steeping adds a warm, lightly sweet depth — traditional in Mexican-style \u003cem\u003ePelo de Elote\u003c\/em\u003e tea.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWith pandan:\u003c\/strong\u003e A small piece of dried pandan leaf adds a subtle vanilla-like sweetness that pairs naturally with the corn-like base.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the difference between Pelo de Elote, Yu Mi Xu, Râu Ngô, and Stigma maydis?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll four names refer to the same ingredient — dried corn silk from \u003cem\u003eZea mays\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003ePelo de Elote\u003c\/em\u003e (or \u003cem\u003eBarba de Elote\u003c\/em\u003e) is the Spanish name used in Mexico and Central America. \u003cem\u003eYu Mi Xu\u003c\/em\u003e (玉米须) is the Chinese name used in traditional Chinese dietary culture. \u003cem\u003eRâu Ngô\u003c\/em\u003e is the Vietnamese name. \u003cem\u003eStigma maydis\u003c\/em\u003e is the pharmacopeial (scientific\/botanical) name used in herbal monographs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs this the same as roasted corn tea or corn kernel tea?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. Roasted corn tea (popular in Korea as \u003cem\u003eoksusu cha\u003c\/em\u003e) is made from roasted corn kernels and has a toasty, nutty flavor. This product is dried corn silk — the thread-like strands from the top of the corn ear — which produces a much milder, subtly sweet infusion with a completely different flavor profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat does corn silk tea taste like?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe flavor is mild, subtly sweet, and lightly corn-like — smooth and easy to drink. It is not bold, bitter, smoky, or strongly aromatic. Think of it as a very gentle botanical tea rather than a strong herbal infusion. The cold brew version is particularly clean and refreshing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy do I need a fine strainer?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eCorn silk strands are thin and lightweight. A coarse strainer or standard tea infuser may allow small strands to pass through into the cup. A fine-mesh strainer or a tightly woven infuser gives the cleanest result.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow many cups does 100 grams yield?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 2–4 grams per cup, 100 grams yields approximately 25–50 cups, depending on your preferred strength. Because the material is very lightweight, 2–4 grams is a noticeably larger volume than the same weight of dense leaf tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs this the same as corn silk extract or corn silk capsules?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. This is whole dried corn silk strands only — not an extract, capsule, powder, or concentrated supplement. It is intended for use as a loose-leaf herbal infusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStorage \u0026amp; Quality Assurance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStore in a sealed bag or airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep away from steam, sink humidity, and strong-smelling spices or foods — dried corn silk absorbs surrounding odors readily.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBest consumed within 12 months of opening; shelf life is 24 months sealed from production date.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNatural variation in strand color (golden yellow to light brown), length, curl, and fluffiness is normal for dried corn silk. Gently fluff the material before measuring if it has compressed during storage or transit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis product contains no additives, preservatives, or artificial ingredients — whole dried corn silk strands only.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\/\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the difference between Pelo de Elote, Yu Mi Xu, Râu Ngô, and Stigma maydis?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"All four names refer to the same ingredient — dried corn silk from Zea mays. Pelo de Elote is the Spanish name, Yu Mi Xu is the Chinese name, Râu Ngô is the Vietnamese name, and Stigma maydis is the pharmacopeial botanical name.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is this the same as roasted corn tea or corn kernel tea?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. Roasted corn tea is made from roasted corn kernels with a toasty, nutty flavor. This product is dried corn silk strands, which produces a much milder, subtly sweet infusion with a completely different flavor profile.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What does corn silk tea taste like?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The flavor is mild, subtly sweet, and lightly corn-like — smooth and easy to drink. It is not bold, bitter, smoky, or strongly aromatic.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How many cups does 100 grams yield?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"At 2–4 grams per cup, 100 grams yields approximately 25–50 cups depending on preferred strength.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is this the same as corn silk extract or capsules?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. This is whole dried corn silk strands only — not an extract, capsule, powder, or concentrated supplement. Intended for loose-leaf herbal infusion only.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"The Rike","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48418650718526,"sku":"1MCMS-02042025","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0154\/3713\/5926\/files\/pelo-de-elote-corn-silk-tea-957.webp?v=1719499508","url":"https:\/\/therike.com\/products\/corn-silk-tea-stigma-maydis-pelo-de-elote-rau-ngo-100g","provider":"The Rike","version":"1.0","type":"link"}