In this article, we will answer the question “How long do corn tortillas last in the fridge?”, and how to tell If tortillas have gone bad?
How long do corn tortillas last in the fridge?
The following table shows an estimated shelf-life of corn and flour tortilla under different storage conditions.
Type of tortilla | In the pantry | In the fridge | In the freezer |
Past printed date | Past printed date | Past printed date | |
Corn tortilla | 7-10 days | 6-8 weeks | 6-8 months |
Flour tortilla | 1 week | 3-4 weeks | 6-8 months |
Spinach tortillas | 1 week | 3-4 week | 6-8 months |
Whole wheat tortillas | 2-3 days | 5-7 days | 6-8 months |
Homemade tortillas | 2-3 days | 5-7 days | 6-8 months |
The nutritional profile of tortillas
The following table shows the nutrients and their amounts found in tortillas.
Nutrients/Minerals | Corn tortilla (44g) | Flour tortilla (45g) |
Carbohydrates | 20g | 22g |
Proteins | 3g | 4g |
Fats | 1g | 4g |
Fiber | 3g | 2g |
Sodium | 20mg | 331g |
Calcium | 3% of the RDI | 5% of the RDI |
Iron | 3% of the RDI | 9% of the RDI |
Magnesium | 8% of the RDI | 2% of the RDI |
Calories | 96 | 138 |
As the table shows, corn tortillas are low in carbs and fats but are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Magnesium supports the function of vital organs like the brain and heart while fiber is crucial to maintain gut-healthy. It improves digestion by regulating bowel movements.
On the other hand, flour tortillas are rich in fiber, protein, iron, and calcium. As compared to corn tortillas, flour tortillas keep you full for longer.
How to use tortillas?
Frozen and reheated tortillas can be used just like fresh ones. This means you can turn them into Tacos, Burritos, Enchiladas, Quesadillas, Tortillas roll-ups, Fajitas, Huevos Rancheros, Flautas, Chips, Soups, Cassreole, Taco pockets, Mexican Quiche and Breakafst wraps etc.
How to tell If tortillas have gone bad?
- In case of the presence of any dark moldy areas or discolored patches, discard the tortillas.
- If the tortilla has been stored for way too long or improperly, it will turn stale. Your best bet is to taste-test a small amount of tortilla to check If It is palatable or not.
Other FAQs about Tortillas which you may be interested in.
Can you freeze tortillas?
Freezing the tortillas will result in a negligible texture change. It is completely safe to freeze tortilla unless the manufacturer tells you to do otherwise. The most important factor in the safe storage of tortillas is to protect them from cold air at all costs.
The original packaging does not provide maximum protection. To be on the safe side, use aluminum wraps or freezer bags instead. The second most important thing is to separate each tortilla from the other using a divider or else the tortillas will become a sticky mess when thawing.
How to defrost and reheat tortillas?
When you are defrosting the tortillas individually, you can go with the following methods.
At room temperature
Take out the frozen tortilla on a plate and put it on the counter for 10 minutes. Flip after the first 5 minutes. After 10 minutes, reheat the tortillas and enjoy.
On the stove
Heat a non-stick pan on the stovetop and toss the tortilla wrap in it. If you heat for longer, this will defrost and reheat the tortilla. If you do not want it warm, remove it from the heta early.
How to make corn tortillas without a press?
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina (9 1/2 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
Masa harina is corn that undergoes the nixtamalization process followed by drying and conversion into a powder.
Instructions
Mix and knead the dough
Mix 2 cups of masa harina with 1 and 1/2 cups of warm water until moistened. Take out the dough on the counter and knead it using water until the dough is soft and smooth.
Separate dough and roll it into balls
Start by dividing the dough into 2 halves. Divide each half into two portions. You need to keep dividing until you have dough pieces to make 12 tortillas.
Prepare dough ball
To make a dough ball, press it between masa harina floured plastic sheets or wrap.
Roll out dough
Using a roller pin, roll the round ball of dough into a flattened round that is only about 1/8th of an inch thick. The diameter should be 5-6inches. Remove the tortilla from the sheets and place it on a floured plate.
Cook your tortillas
In a hot comal or griddle, each side of the tortilla should be cooked for 30 sec or 1 minute.
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “How long do corn tortillas last in the fridge?”, and how to tell If tortillas have gone bad?