Every food on earth goes bad, and tortillas are no exception. But containing mostly Wheat, it stays good for a while in comparison to other foods.
It is really important to understand when food has gone bad or rotten as it will help us avoid food poisoning or illness. Your taste and smell will give you an indication of if the food has gone bad or not. But it is essential to eat food before the expiration date. Hence, it is crucial to know when do tortillas go bad.
Do Tortillas Go Bad?
Yes, tortillas can go bad. So you must know how long does tortilla last & how to keep a tortilla fresh. The period of going bad depends on many things and weather conditions. Moreover, different tortillas have different duration. So it will be up to you and your condition on how long your tortilla will stay fresh.
How To Keep Tortilla Fresh?
You can store tortillas using a freezer, refrigerator, or pantry. The lifetime of a tortilla depends on the way you preserve them. So let’s discuss it briefly.
Freezer
Tortillas will last the most in the freezer. It will last longer if the package is not broken. The Tortillas out there in the market have vacuum sealing and preservatives.
Vacuum sealing and preservatives will make the tortillas last longer; moreover, if they are kept in a freezer, bacteria will have no chance of growing. It will make your tortilla last for 6-8 months.
This is true for all the tortillas out there like flour, corn, and whole wheat tortillas.
But if the package is broken and then tortillas are kept in the freezer, it will last like 1 month or so. It won’t go bad in around 1 month, but the tortillas will become stiff and lose their freshness. It is the same for the homemade tortillas also.
Refrigerator
Unlike a freezer, a refrigerator makes the food cool, not frozen. Refrigerator slows the growth of bacteria. It allows the food to stay good for quite a while.
Suppose the tortilla you have is sealed and kept in your refrigerator. In that case, it will, on average, stay fresh for around 3-4 weeks after the manufacturing date. The tortilla made from corn will stay fresh for around 6-7 weeks.
If the seal is broken and kept in the refrigerator, the tortillas will last 15-20 days. After that, the taste will change, and it will become hard and stiff to eat. Corn tortillas will stay good for around 45 days, but it is not recommended to eat food stored for that long. Homemade tortillas will last for 5-7 days.
Pantry
Packeted tortillas will stay good for about a week in your pantry or storeroom. Just remember to keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place.
If the seal is broken, tortillas will last for about 2-3 days. It is not recommended to eat after that period. When you open a packet, try to use or eat all of the tortillas inside it.
How Long Does Tortilla Last?
The period of going bad depends on many things and weather conditions. Moreover, different tortillas have different duration. Let’s figure out the life span of different types of tortillas.
Flour Tortilla
Flour tortillas are made of finely ground wheat flour. They are soft and thin. Usually, flour tortillas on the market will last for 6-8 months in the freezer and 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. But it is recommended to consume well before this time.
If you keep your tortilla in a storeroom, it will stay good for around 1 week in the packet. If the tortilla came in touch with outside air, it would not last more than 3 days.
Homemade flour tortillas will last for around 6 months in the freezer, 3 weeks in the refrigerator, and 2-3 days in the pantry.
Corn Tortilla
Corn tortillas are great as they have low calories but high fiber and carbs. On the other hand, corn tortillas last for a long time and stay fresh for a while. Packeted corn tortilla stays good for around 8 months in the freezer. Moreover, it will stay good for 7 weeks in the refrigerator. On the outside, it will stay good for 10 days.
If the packet is broken, it will stay 3 months in the freezer, 2 weeks in the refrigerator, and 4 days outside.
Homemade corn tortillas are preferred to eat before 2 days.
Spinach Tortilla
Spinach tortillas are great for the diet. They contain only 60 calories on average but have a high amount of fiber. A spinach tortilla is just like a flour tortilla. It will stay around 6 months in the freezer and 3 weeks in the refrigerator. On the outside, it will stay 2-3 days.
Just try to eat spinach tortilla as soon as possible. The flavor fades as time goes by. So, it is better to put it in your stomach early.
Frequently Asked Question
How Do I Know When My Tortilla Has Gone Bad?
Ans: When your taste buds and smell buds tell you something is wrong with your tortilla, be sure it has gone bad. Our body gives an indication of danger. So trust your senses.
Moreover, if you see little mold or visible mold or discolor on your tortilla, throw it in the trash immediately. Mold grows its roots way before it appears on the surface. Therefore try to eat way before the expiration date.
Can I Eat a Bad or Molded Tortilla?
Ans: Never eat bad, rotten, or molded food, whether tortilla or other food. Bad food contains bacteria and pathogens, which could be lethal to your health. Sometimes it might be life-threatening.
So always throw molded, rotten food in your trash and never think of eating one.
Can I Add Tortillas to My Low-calorie Diet?
Ans: Corn tortilla and spinach tortilla are great for losing diet. It contains low carbohydrates and high fiber.
If you have a low-carb diet, you can consume tortillas. Corn and spinach tortillas will be ok for you. They have health benefits as well as taste well. Therefore, add tortillas to your diet without any fear.
Are Tortillas Healthy?
Ans: Wheat flour tortillas are not as healthy. The corn tortilla and spinach tortilla are the healthiest on the market. They could be a healthy alternative to breeding.
Those tired of eating bread every day might like tortillas very much and consider eating as a healthy alternative. Moreover, tortillas contain a low carb, a moderate amount of protein, and a high amount of fiber. So definitely, it is healthy food.
Conclusion
Tortillas are great, and I like them very much. They are a day-to-day dish in Mexico. Also, they are popular in the USA. It is common to have tortillas in your storeroom or fridge.
It is very important for your health and your family’s health to know when food goes bad and if it will be safe to eat stored food. Tortillas are no exception. I think this article might enlarge your knowledge a bit when tortillas go bad. I hope this helps you in your life and cooking. Thank you.
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Love Writing. Love Cooking. Love Eating.
Vivian is working in the kitchen niche since 2001. She is one of the best recipe makers. Vivian is really good at analyzing, and understanding the food quality. You will be amazed to read her writing skill on food.