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It is easy to find a tortilla in any grocery store. The selection of sizes, flavors, and packaging is abundant. But do you know the difference between these different types?
Many people assume that all tortillas are made from corn or wheat flour but there are many other varieties as well. Some differences among them include ingredients, taste, texture, preparation method and shape.
The type of tortilla depends on personal preferences for flavor and texture which will be discussed in this article. It’s important to know the various options available when buying this staple food product so you can make an educated decision about what's best for your needs!
Corn Tortillas
The corn tortilla is the most popular in Mexican cuisine. It can be purchased fresh or dried and this determines the texture and taste of a tortilla. Most chipotle restaurants serve their tacos in a corn shell because it gives them an authentic flavor and texture reminiscent of Mexico.
Typical ingredients you will find on the label are corn flour, sesame seeds, vegetable oil and salt. However some brands do add preservatives which may not be listed on the packaging. Corn tortillas have a mild taste with a soft texture. They are sold individually wrapped in cellophane but they can also be found in plastic bags or in bulk bins at Mexican grocery stores.
Corn tortillas are the cheapest in price. They last longer than flour tortillas and can be frozen for several months without spoiling or absorbing odors that may be present in a refrigerator.
These tortillas can be served alone or stuffed with meat, beans, cheese or any other filling you prefer! Corn tortillas are soft so eating them without filling is not very interesting or appealing. The taste and texture are best when warm but they can be eaten cold as well. Also if you prefer them crispy, wrap a stack in foil while still warm and place the wrapped tortillas in a preheated oven on broil for 5 minutes.
Corn tortilla labels have nutrition information that can be used to determine the carbohydrate, fat and protein content of the tortilla.
Corn tortillas are made with butter or vegetable oil so they are not recommended to those who have an allergy.
The primary benefit of corn flour is that it has high fiber content. This can help keep you full longer until your next meal! Some brands, like Mission Low Carb Tortillas, also advertise that they are a “good source of protein” with 4 grams per serving.
Flour Tortillas
Flour tortillas come in many shapes and sizes but the standard size is 6" in diameter and most weigh about 15 grams. It is very easy to find this type of tortilla due to its popularity in Mexican cuisine. It is the most popular type of tortilla in the United States and can be found in any grocery store.
The ingredients for flour tortillas are usually made with wheat flour, salt and water but some manufacturers add extra ingredients such as yeast, sugar or a preservative that isn't clearly labeled.
Flour tortillas are best in taste and texture when they are warm. They can be served with or without meat, cheese and beans. For people who love Mexican food, this is the traditional menu item that you will find in restaurants like Taco Bell and Chipotle.
The cost of a package of flour tortillas depends on the size, brand and quantity. The smaller the size, the cheaper it will be! Some brands also advertise their tortillas as "Low Carb" and this can bring the price up to more than twice that of a standard flour tortilla.
Many people who have gluten allergies avoid products with wheat flour so if you are one of those individuals then flour tortillas are not for you.
Wheat Tortillas
For people who like to cook, flour tortillas can be the perfect canvas for creative chefs. You can make tacos with your own homemade sauces and fillings or you can use commercial sauce packs that are available in any supermarket. If you have a gluten allergy then wheat is probably not an option so sticking to corn or other products may be better.
For those who are diabetic, tortillas made with wheat can be a healthy option because they have less fat and sugar than their flour counterparts.
Wheat tortillas come in many different flavors such as Blueberry, Pumpkin Spice, Chorizo (Mexican sausage), Mango and Cinnamon! They can also be found in most health food stores and supermarkets. Tortillas come in small packages and are best when eaten right away because they harden when cooled and will become difficult to roll with filling or a meal.
Soy Tortillas
Soy tortillas are a healthy alternative to traditional flour and corn tortillas. They can be enjoyed as wraps or soft tacos. Soy is a great source of protein, calcium and other nutrients.
The primary disadvantage of soy tortillas is that they have a very unique taste when compared to corn or flour varieties. If you purchase these at a store, the taste may take some getting used to. After a few meals, soy tortillas can be an enjoyable and healthy option!
Soy flour can be used as a thickener in many dishes and is an ingredient in several different recipes so when you see that product called for in your favorite dish, consider adding the flour to your recipe. Soy flour is a product that can be purchased in bulk and it is cheaper when you buy it this way.
Vegan Tortillas
Vegan tortillas are a great option for vegetarians, vegans or those who want to eat healthier. They can be used as soft tacos or roll-ups and they are commonly filled with vegetables such as onions, peppers and beans.
The price of vegan tortillas depends on the size of the package but is usually comparable to the prices of regular tortillas. Some brands are organic and this may affect the price.
Spanish Tortillas
Spanish tortillas are a type of flat bread that is common in Spanish-speaking countries. It can be served hot with a meal or at room temperature as an appetizer.
A Spanish tortilla is made with potatoes, eggs and onions inside the dough so it has many similarities to a quiche. The taste is very different from regular tortillas and is a good option for vegetarians.
These tortillas can be purchased in small bakeries or made at home. Homemade Spanish Tortilla can be a great recipe to try if you want to entertain your family or friends with an authentic dish from another country!
Blue Corn Tortillas
Blue corn tortillas are very different from traditional tortillas because they have a deep flavor that is hard to describe. Blue Corn Tortillas are a type of corn found in Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico.
The taste is slightly nutty when compared to yellow corn but not as strong as popcorn so you might like it if you usually enjoy eating that type of corn. Blue Corn Tortillas are organic so they may be a good option if you are trying to stick to a healthy diet and eat organic products whenever possible.
Blue Corn Tortillas can be purchased in many specialty stores such as health food markets, Latin American grocers or online from Amazon.com! They can also be made at home. If you do not have a commercial tortilla press then this option may be better because it is easier to make than other types of tortillas that require a special tool!
Beetroot Tortillas
Beetroot Tortillas are an interesting alternative to regular white or wheat tortillas. Beetroots are high in nutrients including fiber, iron and calcium so they can be a healthy option for many people if the taste is acceptable.
These tortillas have a very earthy flavor that may take time to get used to. The edges of these tortillas are a bright red color from the beetroot so you will know that they are different.
Beetroot Tortillas can be purchased in some stores or online but they may not be available unless you live in an area where these products might be more common. If this is the case then Beetroot Tortillas would make a good treat- buy a few packages and use them for yourself or when you entertain!
Pan Arabe Tortillas
Pan Arabe Tortillas are a type of flatbread that is similar to the Spanish version. They are used in some Middle Eastern countries but they have a more distinct flavor than regular tortillas.
An authentic Pan Arabe Tortilla is made using white flour, sesame seeds and zaatar which is an herb blend or mixture of herbs that is used in many Middle Eastern dishes. This herb blend has a combination of thyme, oregano and sesame seeds that gives the bread a unique taste.
These tortillas can be bought in specialty stores or made at home. They can be used for sandwiches or as wraps for appetizers and main meals. Try this type of flatbread for a new taste sensation!
Hoja Santa Tortillas
Hoja Santa Tortillas are an alternative to regular tortillas but they do not have the same traditional taste. These tortillas are made with a type of tree leaf that is common in Latin America called Hoja Santa.
They can be served at room temperature or heated and may be used for a variety of dishes including sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas or as a base for many Mexican dishes such as tacos.
The leaf does not have an overpowering taste but it is different than other types of tortillas so give Hoja Santa Tortillas a try if you are looking for something unique! They can be purchased in some stores that sell Latin American products, online from Amazon.com and in some Mexican or other specialty shops.
Huitlacoche Tortillas
Huitlacoche Tortillas are types of tortilla that are made from a fungus found on corn called Huitlacoche. This type of fungus is used for food in many Latin American countries and is considered to be a delicacy by many people who live in these countries.
If you have never had Huitlacoche before then it may be an acquired taste but most people will enjoy the flavor that is similar to truffles or mushrooms. These tortillas can be served as flat bread for sandwiches, as a wrap for Mexican dishes or with other foods such as soup.
Huitlacoche Tortillas are sold in some supermarkets and specialty stores. They may be available if you live in a semi-tropical or tropical region but they may also be difficult to find depending on where you live.
If this is the case then try growing your own Huitlacoche! It is not that difficult to do and will allow you to have fresh Huitlacoche at home for a variety of recipes or to use as snacks.
FAQS
What are the health benefits of Tortillas?
Tortillas are a healthy alternative to many traditional breads and they also have some health benefits that can make these flatbreads preferable for specific purposes. Tortillas contain the same nutrients as wheat tortillas or bread but they may be slightly higher in some nutrients and lower in others.
As with each food, you should take into consideration what is in the tortilla, how it is prepared and what you plan to use it for before deciding on your health benefits.
If you are trying to lose weight then eat tortillas that are low in fat and calories but high in nutrients such as whole wheat tortillas. If you want a food that will provide energy or help with digestion then choose a tortilla that is high in fiber and vitamins.
Although tortillas are not considered a "health food" they still have several benefits that can make them a good choice for your diet.
What is the difference between white and blue corn tortillas?
White Corn Tortillas Blue Corn Tortillas White corn tortillas are made from unrefined, traditional corn in most cases. They contain corn flour, water and salt as the only ingredients. Blue corn tortillas are also made from unrefined corn but they have a different taste and texture than white tortillas since the blue corn is ground more finely.
Blue Corn Tortillas can be eaten in a variety of ways including boiling them into stews or soups for extra flavor and nutrition. They are also popular for garnishing or serving with Mexican dishes.
How many calories are in a typical tortilla?
A typical tortilla will have about 60 - 90 calories depending on the brand and size. If you eat two corn tortillas then you will get only half the amount of calories that some breads contain so they can be a healthy option for snacking as well as serving with meals.
There are many types of tortillas and some are high in calories compared to others but the calorie information listed here can help you stay within your daily calorie intake. If you have special dietary needs then talk with your physician or a certified nutritionist to find out how many tortillas you should eat each day.
Can I use one kind of flours for all kinds of tortillas?
If you want to try the different types of tortillas then it is recommended that you use a special kind of flour for each type. This means that in order to make corn tortillas, blue corn tortillas and white corn tortillas then you will need separate kinds of flours.
How long do homemade tortillas last?
Homemade tortillas should be stored in the refrigerator after they are made. They can be kept in an airtight container for about one or two days, depending on how fresh they were when you prepared them. If you want to store these flatbreads for longer then wrap them and freeze them as soon as possible after baking them.
How do I store tortillas?
If you want to keep your tortillas for longer then you can wrap them in foil or place them inside a Ziploc freezer bag and freeze them. This will extend their shelf life. If you want to store these flatbreads for up to one year then you should vacuum seal them before freezing them.
Conclusion
The different types of tortillas are a popular type of bread that is easily found in grocery stores and other food outlets. Different types include corn, whole wheat and blue tortillas.
Some people like to use these flatbreads in their meals or for making appetizers, snacks and desserts whereas others will eat them alone. There are many recipes that utilize tortillas and they come in an array of colors, sizes, flavors and textures.
