Can Tortillas Go Bad : What You MUST Know

Tortillas are one of those kitchen staples that manage to be both versatile and essential, showing up in everything from tacos and burritos to wraps, quesadillas, and even soups. Whether you’re buying them from the store or making them yourself, tortillas are a beloved part of so many meals. But like anything else, tortillas don’t last forever. So, how do you know when your tortillas are no longer good to eat? Can they really go bad, and if so, how can you keep them fresh for longer?

We’re diving into everything you need to know about the shelf life of tortillas, how to spot signs of spoilage, the best ways to store them, and some pro tips for making sure you always have fresh tortillas on hand.

Can Tortillas Go Bad?

Short answer: yes, tortillas can go bad, but it depends on the type and how they’re stored. Tortillas are made with simple ingredients-flour, water, salt, and sometimes fat-which means they don’t have a lot of preservatives to keep them fresh for extended periods. Over time, tortillas can develop mold, lose their texture, or just start to smell unpleasant. There are a few different factors that contribute to this, like exposure to air, temperature, and moisture levels.

If you’ve ever opened a package of tortillas that were nearing their expiration date and found them cracked, dried out, or moldy, you’re not alone. The good news is that knowing how to store them properly can help extend their lifespan and keep them fresh for longer.

Shelf Life For Tortillas

The shelf life of tortillas depends largely on the type of tortilla you have and how it’s stored. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what you can expect:

Store-Bought Flour Tortillas (Unopened)

• Shelf Life: 2-3 weeks at room temperature
• Refrigerated: 6-8 weeks
• Frozen: 6-8 months

Flour tortillas typically last longer than corn tortillas because they have added fats (like lard or oil), which help preserve them. If you don’t plan to use them right away, refrigeration or freezing is a great option.

Store-Bought Corn Tortillas (Unopened)

• Shelf Life: 7-10 days at room temperature
• Refrigerated: 2-3 weeks
• Frozen: 6-8 months

Corn tortillas are a bit more delicate than flour tortillas, so they have a shorter shelf life. They are prone to drying out faster than their flour counterparts, which is why it’s so important to keep them properly sealed.

Homemade Tortillas

• Shelf Life: 1-2 days at room temperature
• Refrigerated: 3-4 days
• Frozen: 3 months

Homemade tortillas, since they don’t contain preservatives, will naturally spoil much faster than store-bought ones. But freezing them is a great way to prolong their freshness if you make a big batch!

Common Signs Of Spoilage

Tortillas don’t always spoil in a dramatic way, but there are a few key things to look out for when trying to figure out if your tortillas have gone bad:

Mold Growth

• Mold is one of the most obvious indicators that your tortillas have gone bad. If you spot any fuzzy patches of green, blue, or white, it’s time to toss them. Mold can grow quickly on tortillas, especially if they’re exposed to humidity or stored improperly.

Off-Smell

• Fresh tortillas have a subtle, pleasant aroma. If they start to smell sour or rancid, that’s a sign that they’re past their prime. The oils in the tortilla can go bad, especially if they’ve been left out for too long or exposed to heat.

Dry Or Cracked Texture

• While a tortilla might dry out a bit over time, if it’s become too brittle and cracks when you bend it, it’s no longer suitable for most dishes. You can still use them for chips, but they won’t work as wraps or in soft tacos.

Discoloration

• If your tortillas start to change color, it could be a sign that they’ve been exposed to air for too long or are getting close to the expiration date. Yellowing or darkening is often a sign of dehydration or oxidation.

Sticky Or Wet Texture

• If your tortillas feel sticky or wet to the touch, that’s a definite red flag. This could mean they’ve absorbed moisture from the air, and bacteria or mold may already be growing. You don’t want to take any chances here!

How To Store Tortillas?

Proper storage is key when it comes to keeping your tortillas fresh. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to store them to maximize their shelf life:

Room Temperature (Short-Term Storage)

• For store-bought tortillas, you can store them at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Make sure they’re in an airtight package or tightly sealed bag. This will help prevent moisture and air from getting in, which can cause spoilage.

Refrigeration (Long-Term Storage)

• Once you’ve opened the package or made your own tortillas, refrigeration is your best option. Just make sure they’re in a well-sealed bag or container. This helps preserve their freshness, slows down mold growth, and maintains their soft texture.

Freezing (Maximum Freshness)

• Freezing tortillas is the best way to keep them fresh for an extended period. To freeze, place a piece of wax paper or parchment paper between each tortilla, stack them, and then wrap the stack tightly in a plastic bag or aluminum foil. This prevents them from sticking together and makes it easier to pull out a single tortilla when needed.
• How to thaw: Simply pull out the number of tortillas you need and let them thaw at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, you can heat them on the stovetop or in the microwave to speed up the process.

Avoid Storing In High Humidity Areas

• Tortillas are moisture-sensitive. If they’re stored in a humid place, like a kitchen where there’s a lot of moisture in the air, they will absorb that moisture and spoil much faster. Keep your tortillas in a cool, dry place and avoid storing them near a sink or stove.

Expert Tips

• Wrap in a cloth: If you prefer your tortillas warm and soft, wrap them in a clean dish towel after they’ve been cooked. This will help maintain their softness. Don’t wrap them in plastic right away, as the trapped moisture will cause them to become soggy.
• Check expiration dates: Always pay attention to the expiration dates on store-bought tortillas, but don’t rely on them 100%. As you get familiar with how your tortillas age, you’ll be able to notice when they’re getting close to spoiling just by how they feel and smell.
• Use a tortilla warmer: If you eat a lot of tortillas, a tortilla warmer (usually made of ceramic or cloth) can keep them warm and moist for a longer period. It’s a great tool to have, especially for large family meals.
• Don’t reuse a plastic bag: If you’re storing tortillas in a plastic bag, make sure it’s clean. Reusing a bag that once held another food item can introduce bacteria or odors to your tortillas. Stick with new, high-quality bags for the best protection.

FAQs

Can Tortillas Go Bad?

Yes, tortillas can go bad. Like most food items, tortillas have a shelf life and can spoil due to exposure to moisture, air, or improper storage.

How Long Do Tortillas Last?

The shelf life of tortillas varies depending on the type. Unopened flour tortillas can last 1-2 weeks at room temperature and 6-8 months in the freezer. Corn tortillas typically last 7-10 days at room temperature and about 6 months in the freezer.

What Happens If Tortillas Go Bad?

If tortillas go bad, they may become moldy, develop an off smell, or dry out and crack. Consuming spoiled tortillas can lead to foodborne illness.

How Can You Tell If Tortillas Have Gone Bad?

Signs that tortillas have gone bad include the presence of mold, an unpleasant smell, and visible changes in texture such as cracking or excessive dryness. If they have an off taste when you try them, it’s best to discard them.

Can You Eat Expired Tortillas?

It’s not recommended to eat expired tortillas, especially if they show signs of spoilage like mold or a bad odor. If they’re just slightly past their expiration date but still look and smell fine, they may still be safe to eat.

How Should Tortillas Be Stored To Prevent Them From Going Bad?

To keep tortillas fresh longer, store them in a cool, dry place, ideally in an airtight container or sealed packaging. For extended shelf life, tortillas can be stored in the freezer.

Can I Freeze Tortillas To Make Them Last Longer?

Yes, you can freeze tortillas to extend their shelf life. When properly wrapped in plastic or foil and placed in a freezer-safe bag, tortillas can last for up to 6 months in the freezer.

What’s The Best Way To Reheat Tortillas?

To reheat tortillas, place them on a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side, or use a microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds. This helps restore their softness.

Can Tortillas Spoil In The Fridge?

Tortillas generally do not need to be refrigerated, but storing them in the fridge can sometimes extend their freshness by slowing the growth of bacteria. However, it may cause them to dry out or become stale more quickly.

How Long Do Homemade Tortillas Last?

Homemade tortillas usually last 2-3 days at room temperature if stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freezing homemade tortillas is recommended to maintain their freshness for up to 6 months.