All About Small tortillas
Your complete guide to small tortillas - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Small tortillas Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for small 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.
unopened pantry1-2 weeks past 'best by' date
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (green, black, white fuzzy spots), sour or yeasty odor, slimy texture, unusual discoloration.
How to Check
Visually inspect the entire package for any fuzzy spots or discoloration. Open and gently smell for any off-odors. The package should not feel unusually damp or sticky on the outside.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. While safe for a bit past the 'best by' date, quality may decline. Always check thoroughly before use.
opened room temperature1-2 days
Signs of Spoilage
Rapid mold growth, strong sour or musty odor, severe drying out and hardening, sticky or slimy surface.
How to Check
Visually inspect for mold immediately, especially on edges or between tortillas. Smell for any off-odors. Touch to ensure they are still pliable; if stiff, brittle, or slimy, they are likely spoiled. Safety Warning: This method is not recommended for extended storage due to rapid spoilage.
Storage Tips
This storage method is only suitable for very short-term use. For best quality and safety, transfer any unused tortillas to the refrigerator or freezer immediately after opening.
opened fridge1-2 weeks (flour tortillas), 5-7 days (corn tortillas)
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (can still grow in cold, but slower), sour, musty, or yeasty odor, drying out at the edges, becoming stiff or brittle, slimy texture.
How to Check
Visually inspect all tortillas for any signs of mold, paying close attention to the edges and folds. Smell for any off-odors. Touch to check for pliability; if they are excessively stiff, brittle, or slimy, discard them. If only slightly dry, they might still be safe to eat but will have compromised texture.
Storage Tips
To maximize freshness, re-seal the original package tightly, or transfer tortillas to an airtight plastic bag or container. This prevents drying out and absorption of refrigerator odors. For best texture, allow them to come to room temperature or warm them gently before use.
freezer6-8 months (for best quality, safe indefinitely)
Signs of Spoilage
Freezer burn (dry, discolored patches, typically white or gray), significant change in texture (e.g., overly brittle or crumbly after thawing), off-flavors due to freezer burn (less common if properly stored). True microbial spoilage like mold is unlikely in the freezer.
How to Check
Visually inspect for excessive ice crystals or dry, discolored areas on the tortillas (freezer burn). After thawing, if they are excessively brittle or have a stale odor, quality has degraded. Minor freezer burn usually doesn't affect safety but can impact taste and texture.
Storage Tips
For opened packages, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each tortilla to prevent sticking, then wrap the stack tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag/container. This double-layer protection is key to preventing freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. They can also be heated directly from frozen on a griddle or in a microwave after separating.