This thin, unleavened flatbread is a staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.
There are many different types of tortillas, including those made with wheat flour, corn flour, and even potato flour.
Tortillas can be used in a variety of dishes, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and enchiladas.
When you open a pack of tortillas, you might not eat them all.
While it is not necessary to refrigerate flour tortillas, it will dramatically extend their shelf life.
Unopened tortillas can last up to 90 days if stored in a fridge, but only 14 to 35 days if stored at room temperature.
In addition, refrigerating tortillas will help protect them from insects and other contaminants such as mold.
If you think you will finish your pack of tortillas in a month, then storing them at room temperature works just fine.
However, if you think it will take longer, then you might want to store them in the fridge to preserve their freshness.
There’s nothing quite like a warm, fresh tortilla.
Whether you’re eating them plain, filled with beans or meat, or topped with salsa and cheese, tortillas are a delicious and versatile food.
But where did they come from?
Tortillas have been around for centuries, and their exact origins are still a bit of a mystery.
Some experts believe they were first made by the ancient Maya and Aztec people of Mexico.
These early tortillas were usually made from corn and sometimes other grains like wheat or rye.
They were usually unleavened, which meant that they didn’t contain any yeast or baking soda to make them rise.
Over time, tortillas spread to other parts of Mexico and Central America, becoming a staple food.
In many countries, tortillas are now made from wheat flour, but corn is still the most popular type of tortilla in Mexico.
Tortillas are versatile food that can be used in various ways.
They can be filled with meats, vegetables, and cheeses to make a delicious burrito or wrap.
They can also be cut into strips and fried to make Mexican-style chips.
Or, they can simply be eaten plain as a healthy and filling snack.
No matter how you choose to enjoy them, tortillas are a delicious and easy way to add some variety to your diet.
Can You Leave Tortillas Unrefrigerated?
Yes, if you think you will consume the tortillas soon, you can store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat sources.
However, if you think it will take more than a month to finish a pack of tortillas, it is best to store them in the fridge, where they can last up to 60 to 90 days.
Refrigerating them will cause them to harden and become tricky to work with.
In addition, tortillas tend to absorb moisture from the air, so refrigerating them can make them soggy.
Freezing tortillas can alter their texture and make them difficult to work with.
Most people think that tortillas must be stored in the fridge.
However, this is not the case! Tortillas are actually best stored at room temperature.
This may seem counterintuitive, but there are a few reasons why it’s true.
First of all, tortillas will dry out in the fridge.
We all know how disappointing it is to bite into a hard, dry tortilla.
Storing them at room temperature will help to keep them soft and pliable.
Secondly, tortillas can pick up odd flavors from other food in the fridge.
Storing them in a pantry or cupboard will help to keep their flavor intact.
Finally, storing tortillas at room temperature is more convenient than storing them in the fridge.
No one wants to wait for their tortillas to thaw before making a meal!
What Is The Best Way To Store Tortillas?
Refrigerating tortillas is a good way to keep them fresh for a few days.
However, they will become dry and brittle if kept in the fridge for too long.
Freezing is a better option if you want to store tortillas for longer.
If you’re only planning on using the tortillas within a week or two, keeping them in a cool, dry place like the pantry is perfectly fine.
Tortillas are versatile and convenient food that can be used in various dishes.
While making tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or enchiladas, tortillas are a key ingredient.
If you are storing tortillas in the fridge, be sure to use a moisture-proof container to stop your tortillas from soaking in the moisture and becoming soggy.
If you are planning to freeze them, make sure you wrap them in plastic or aluminum foil to keep the moisture out and prevent freezer burn.
Lastly, if you plan to eat your tortillas within a week or two, you can simply store them in a cool, dark place like the pantry or kitchen cabinet.
Be sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent bacteria and other contaminants like mold.
Outside of Mexico, tortillas are commonly associated with burritos and tacos.
However, this versatile food can be used in a variety of ways.
For instance, they make an excellent base for pizzas and quesadillas.
Tortillas can also be filled with scrambled eggs or shredded chicken for a quick and easy breakfast burrito.
Additionally, they can be cut into strips and fried to create delicious chips that are perfect for dipping.
Not only are tortillas versatile and easy to use, but they are also healthy for you, depending on what type of tortilla you choose.
When it comes to choosing a tortilla, there are many factors to consider.
Nutritional content is one of the most important, and it varies widely depending on the type of tortilla.
Whole wheat tortillas are the most nutritional, as they are made with whole grain flour and contain more fiber and vitamins than other types.
Whole wheat tortillas are packed with fiber and protein but offer several health benefits.
For starters, whole wheat tortillas are a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and folate.
They also contain more antioxidants than their white flour counterparts, which can help protect your cells from damage.
Additionally, whole wheat tortillas can help to regulate blood sugar levels and promote digestive health.
However, they also tend to be heavier and not as pliable, making them less ideal for some dishes.
Corn tortillas are another popular option, and while they are not as nutritional as whole wheat tortillas, they are lighter and more versatile.
Corn tortillas are made with whole corn, which is a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
They’re also relatively low in calories, fat, and sodium.
Plus, they’re gluten-free, making them a good option for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Are Tortillas Good In The Fridge?
Yes, tortillas can be stored in the fridge, but they might harden.
Be sure to use a moisture-proof container, or the tortillas might absorb surrounding air and become soggy.
If you are planning to store the tortillas just for a week or two, the best way to do so would be at room temperature in a tightly sealed bag or container.
If you store them in the fridge, you might want to reheat them before you use them.
There are a few different methods you can use.
For soft tortillas, simply place them in the microwave for a few seconds.
If you prefer crisp tortillas, you can reheat them in a dry skillet over medium heat.
Just be sure to keep an eye on them, so they don’t scorch.
Tortillas can be used in a variety of ways.
They can be simple and plain or filled with meats, vegetables, and cheeses.
They can be fried, baked, or grilled.
Tortillas can be served as a side dish or as the main course.
If you can think of it, you can probably put it on a tortilla!
I’m Chris Watson & the Founder of EatForLonger.com. I’m a food and wellbeing enthusiast researching and sharing foodstuffs and simple food-based concepts, such as fasting and clean eating.
I hope it inspires you to make tiny changes to what you eat and when you eat while optimizing your healthspan and all-around well-being.
Read more About Me here.