Your complete guide to blue corn tortillas - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
Storage times and freshness tips for blue corn tortillas in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Significant freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), extreme dryness/brittleness upon thawing, strong off-flavors (rare if properly stored). Mold is highly unlikely in the freezer.
Upon thawing, check for excessive freezer burn which indicates quality loss. While not a safety issue, it can affect taste and texture. Smell the thawed tortillas for any unusual or off-odors before reheating. They should smell neutral or faintly of corn.
For best results, wrap the entire stack tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container, pressing out all excess air. For easier individual use, place a piece of parchment paper between each tortilla before wrapping and freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. They can also be gently heated directly from frozen on a griddle or in a microwave.
Visible mold (fuzzy green, black, or white spots), sour or off-putting smell, sticky or slimy texture.
Visually inspect the entire surface for mold. Hold the package close to your nose and sniff for any sour, yeasty, or musty odors. If possible, gently feel through the packaging for any unusual stickiness or sliminess.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the package sealed until ready to use. While some tortillas may last longer, this is a safe guideline.
Visible mold, sour or fermented smell, sticky or slimy texture.
Visually check for mold, particularly along the edges. Smell for any sour, vinegary, or unpleasant odors. Feel for a slimy or sticky surface, even through the packaging.
Refrigeration significantly slows mold growth. Keep the tortillas in their original sealed packaging. Allow them to come to room temperature or warm slightly before using for best texture and flexibility.
Visible mold (often starts as small fuzzy spots), sour, yeasty, or musty smell, slimy or sticky texture, excessive dryness and brittleness (though this is more quality degradation than spoilage).
Carefully inspect both sides of each tortilla for any signs of mold. Smell a tortilla – any sour, fermented, or off-putting aroma indicates spoilage. Touch a tortilla – if it feels slimy, sticky, or unusually slick, it's likely bad. If they are excessively dry and crack easily, their quality is compromised, but they may still be safe if no other spoilage signs are present.
To maximize freshness, re-seal the original bag tightly, or transfer the tortillas to an airtight container or a heavy-duty zip-top bag. Press out as much air as possible to prevent drying out and mold growth. Store towards the front of the fridge for easy access and to avoid freezing.