Do corn tortillas go bad? Hmm… Okay, let me see. Every corn tortilla purchased from the store has its own expiration date. Does that answer your question?
Here’s a simple answer: YES, corn tortillas can go bad because they have a limited shelf life just like all food.
Generally, corn tortillas are made of special corn flour known as masa harina and water. Despite the fact that they are only made of two ingredients, they still have a limited shelf life.
Worry not, I’ll share with you the ways in which you can make them last longer. Also, we’ll talk about the signs that your corn tortillas have gone bad. Did I already mention the tortilla defrosting life hack?
What are you waiting for? Find your answers below.
How Long Do Corn Tortillas Last?
Of course, corn tortillas last longer if stored in the refrigerator or freezer. The lifespan of tortillas also depends on whether they are, homemade, opened, or unopened.
Here’s how long store-bought unopened and homemade tortillas can last in different storage settings:
Opened tortilla packages can last for a few days, but you can prolong their shelf life by keeping them in tightly sealed containers and placing them in the fridge or freezer.
How To Tell If Corn Tortillas Have Gone Bad
Here are the signs that indicate whether tortillas are still edible or not:
• Smell or taste: The best way to tell if tortillas have gone bad is to smell them. If they have a strong sour or moldy smell, then they have gone bad.
• Texture: If your corn tortillas have become tough, leathery, or dry, then you shouldn’t consume them.
• Best by date: The printed date for the best before is there for a reason. You shouldn’t consume corn tortillas if their best-before date is expired.
• Spots of mold: Are there any signs of spoilage like discolorations or mold? If they have turned brown or grey, then they are probably not safe to eat.
• Shelf life: If corn tortillas have been in your pantry for more than two weeks, you should think twice before eating them.
NOTE: The shelf life of corn tortillas greatly depends on their storage conditions and what ingredients were used in their preparation.
How To Extend The Shelf Life Of Corn Tortillas
Here are a few tips on storing corn tortillas that will keep them fresh & funky for longer:
• Freeze tortillas: When you’re sure that you won’t be able to eat all the tortillas, use a freezer bag or aluminum foil and put them in a freezer. Put paper towels between them for easier de-sticking later on.
• Storage: Keep corn tortillas in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place away from light. For best use, put them in your fridge or freezer.
• Keep them fresh: Wrap tortillas in a clean cloth napkin dampened with water. Put them in a plastic bag and place them in the refrigerator. They will stay extra fresh for about 3-4 days this way.
• Crunchy tortillas: If you want to crisp up your corn tortillas, place them on a baking sheet and put them in an oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit until they become light brown.
EXTRA TIP: Defrosting corn tortillas in a toaster
Let’s say that you decided to freeze your tortillas and now you’re looking for the easiest and fastest way to defrost them.
This life hack has literally changed my life and I’m sure it will do the same for you. See the video below on how to defrost corn tortillas in a toaster. Happy cooking!
