There are many foods that we use in our diet, but we don’t know how long they can last. In this article we will deal with tortillas that are becoming more and more popular all around the world. Most people enjoy tortillas and they eat often this staple food. I
n this article we will tell you something more about tortillas and their shelf life. You will also learn how to store tortillas properly and how to tell if they have gone bad. If you love tortillas and if you use them in your diet, this article will be useful and interesting for you.
More about Tortillas
Tortilla, known also as a flour tortilla, is a soft and thin flatbread that is made from ground wheat flour. Actually, tortilla consists of flour or corn, salt and oil. Tortillas can be eaten on their own because they are very tasty.
But, tortillas are usually prepared with meat, cheese or mashed potatoes, as well as with burritos, quesadillas or tacos. Tortillas can be different in size. They vary from 6 to over 30 cm, depending on the dish that is prepared with tortillas.
What is the Shelf Life of Tortillas?
The shelf life of tortillas depends on the best by date, but also on how they are prepared and how they are stored. You can purchase tortillas in packages at a grocery store, but you can also prepare your own tortillas at home. When purchased in packages, tortillas usually have a best by date that refers to the last date when a manufacturer will guarantee for the quality of a product, not for its safety. It means that you can use tortillas even beyond their best by date. It is known that generally tortillas last for a week after the best by date on the counter.
If they are stored in the fridge they can last about a month. But, there is variation in how long tortillas can last, because different companies use different preservatives in the production of tortillas.
Also, it is known that the untoasted tortillas will go rancid more quickly than the tortillas that are cooked.
How to Store Tortillas Properly?
If not stored properly, tortillas will last for a shorter period of time. Packages of tortillas should be stored in a dry and cool place where the temperature is constant. If there are temperature changes from cool to warm tortillas will spoil quickly.
Actually, the moisture in the air will condensate inside the packages of tortillas and the mold will start to grow. Although packages of tortillas can be stored in the pantry or in a cupboard, it is best to store tortillas in the fridge. Thus, you will extend the shelf life of tortillas. It is important to place tortillas in airtight containers in the fridge. This way you will keep tortillas away from moisture and other contaminants. If you have homemade tortillas, store them in the refrigerator below 40 ͦ F.
For a long term options, you should store tortillas in the freezer. Transfer them from their original packages into freezer safe containers. Tortillas will preserve their unique flavor and texture for a long time.
How To Tell if Tortillas Have Gone Bad?
It won’t be difficult to notice if tortillas have gone bad. Tortillas will probably become stiffer over time, but it is only a sign that they are getting old. It doesn’t necessarily mean that tortillas are spoiled. But, if you notice any moldy spots on the surface of tortillas, it is the sign that they have gone bad.
If tortillas have gone rancid, they will also change in texture and color. You should discard them in order to avoid any health risks that are usually associated with spoiled foods.
Summary
As with many other foods, refrigeration will also extend the shelf life of tortillas. If you want to further extend the shelf life of tortillas, store them in the freezer. It is the best way to preserve your tortillas for a long time.
If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as a sour smell or a mold growth on the surface of tortillas, you should throw them away.
