How Long Do Corn Tortillas Last

How Long Do Corn Tortillas Last

Tortillas are the tasty wraps that you use to make burritos, tacos, and a number of other delicious sandwich-style meals. They’re flatbreads, usually circular in shape, that originate from Latin America. They can be made with spinach, corn or wheat flour. They’re generally cooked on a large flat plate and vary in diameter.

These bundles of deliciousness are so tasty, we wouldn’t be surprised if you ate a few in a day. Tortillas do often come in packs or you might make too many homemade tortillas for one dinner. Whatever the case, you may find yourself wondering what the best tortilla storage options are.

Do tortillas go bad?

Tortillas are made with only a few simple ingredients, which means that they generally stay fresh for a while. However, like all food, tortillas certainly can go bad and have a limited shelf life. Corn tortillas, flour tortillas, wheat tortillas, spinach tortillas…the varieties are plenty. So are their expiration dates. Different types of tortillas stay fresh for different periods of time, which is why we’ve put together this article all about the shelf life of tortillas, how long they’re good for, and what you can do if tortillas go bad.

How long do tortillas last?

The good news to the question ‘do tortillas go bad’ is that this generally takes a while, and their lifespan can be elongated if you store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Furthermore, the lifespan of tortillas varies depending on which tortillas you purchase, how close they are to the printed date, and whether they have been opened or not. It also depends on whether you refrigerate tortillas or keep them in a cupboard or the freezer.

If you’re wondering how long do tortillas last, take a look at this handy table comparing a few different types of tortillas and their lifespans:

If you’ve opened your tortilla package, they’ll last for a few days until the air gets to them. You can make them last slightly longer if you wrap them in aluminum foil. But they will eventually start to harden, smell bad, and look moldy. At this point – throw them away!

How long do homemade tortillas last?

Homemade tortillas, which will obviously not be in a tortilla packet, will only last around 2-3 days in the cupboard. However, they last up to a week in the refrigerator and much longer in the freezer, so why not make your own tortillas and store them away for when the burrito craving hits!

All you need to make homemade tortillas is flour, vegetable oil and salt, a tortilla press, and a frying pan. Making fresh tortillas yourself is the most surefire way to know that they’ll be delicious every time. Make your own delicious tortillas at home!

How to tell if tortillas are bad

When tortillas expire, they’ll begin to stiffen. Even if they are a little solid, they may be ok to eat – but if you see any spots of mold on the tortilla’s surface, you should presume that the entire packet is bad and should be thrown away. There are a few other ways to tell if tortillas are past their shelf life.

• If your tortillas start to feel a bit slimy, they’re likely to develop mold soon. This is one of the first signs of wheat tortillas turning bad, but it’s relatively easy to spot with corn tortillas as well.
• Unusual spots forming on your tortillas are a sign of them going off.
• If there is any color change to your tortillas, this should be treated as a sign that they’re going bad. Tortillas should not change in color at all, but if you notice any kind of neon or green tinge, it’s time to get rid of them!
• If any kind of unusual or bad smell comes from the tortillas, they should be thrown away.

The shelf life of tortillas often varies depending on the exact pack. Store-bought tortillas are more reliable, but even these can vary! Therefore, it is essential to know the warning signs of tortillas going bad to keep you from getting sick.

Can you eat expired tortillas?

Check your tortilla expiration date before consuming the wraps – however, if that date has already passed, you may still be able to eat your tortillas. To define your tortilla shelf life, go by how they look, feel, and smell. You may find that your tortillas harden slightly once past their expiry date, but if you still want to eat them, they should be ok regardless. But remember that food safety is very important, so if they have any mold on them, or smell bad, it’s best to throw the entire packet away.

How to store tortillas

Food storage is a major theme in kitchens the world over. To ensure that the shelf life of your tortillas last, make sure that you store them correctly. Storage conditions will vary depending on the type of tortilla you’re using.

Packaged Tortillas

Packaged tortillas are simple to store, especially if the packet is unopened. All you need to do is place the unopened packet in the cupboard, refrigerator, or freezer, and use our table above to work out how long they’ll be good for. You’ll also find shelf life information on all packaging.

Store the tortillas away from any fluctuating temperatures – for example, make sure that the cupboard that they’re kept in isn’t close to the oven or a radiator that might heat it up, and if you are storing tortillas in the freezer or refrigerator, try to store them away from the door. This will ensure that their shelf life is extended.

Homemade tortillas

Homemade tortillas are not as simple to store – but there are some tips and tricks to get it right! Whether you’ve made your tortillas yourself or have bought from a tortilla maker, the same procedure applies. First, ensure that the tortillas are separate – if they’re in a bag or container, peel them from each other, one by one. Place a cloth cover over them and let them cool to room temperature. Once the tortillas are at room temperature, you can stack them back on top of each other. Then, place paper towels around the stack of tortillas to give them extra protection. Place them in either a Tupperware container or a zip lock bag, and pop them in the refrigerator or freezer. They’ll be ready, fresh, for when you want them!

Can you freeze tortillas?

Yes, you can certainly store tortillas in the freezer. Freezing tortillas is a great way to ensure that they stay fresh for whenever you want to use them – even if it’s a few months later! Just wrap them well so they’re airtight, and place them in the freezer. Resealable freezer bags that you may have tucked away in your kitchen cabinets will do the trick. Make sure that your tortillas won’t be snapped or broken by any heavy containers around them, and leave them there until you are ready to enjoy them!

How to defrost tortillas?

The best way to defrost tortillas is to remove them from the freezer and keep them at room temperature for around one hour. Because they are thin, they shouldn’t take longer than an hour to defrost fully.

FAQs

1. How long do corn tortillas last?

Corn tortillas can last for 7-10 days in the cupboard, 6-8 weeks in the refrigerator, and 6-8 months in the freezer.

2. Can you eat tortillas after the expiration date?

If the tortillas show no signs of spoilage such as mold, unusual smell, or sliminess, they can still be consumed after the expiration date. However, it’s essential to check for these signs before consuming.

3. Can you freeze homemade tortillas?

Yes, homemade tortillas can be frozen for an extended shelf life. Ensure they are wrapped well to prevent freezer burn and placed in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag.

4. How to store opened tortilla packages?

Opened tortilla packages can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Wrapping them in aluminum foil can help extend their shelf life.

5. What are the signs that tortillas have gone bad?

Signs of spoiled tortillas include mold growth, sliminess, unusual spots, color change, and a bad or unusual smell.

6. Can you reheat frozen tortillas?

Yes, frozen tortillas can be reheated by placing them in a skillet or microwave for a few seconds until they are warmed through.