All About Tortilla
Your complete guide to tortilla - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Tortilla Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for tortilla 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 pantryUntil 'best by' date, often 1-2 weeks beyond for quality
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold (green, black, white fuzzy spots), sour or yeasty smell, significant discoloration.
How to Check
Visual: Check for any visible mold growth, especially along the edges or on the surface. Look for unusual dark spots or patches. Smell: Open the package briefly and take a sniff. It should smell neutral or faintly of corn/flour. A sour, musty, or unpleasant odor indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. While they might be safe a bit past the 'best by' date, quality (flexibility, taste) may degrade.
homemade/fresh fridge3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Rapid mold growth, strong sour or fermented smell, sticky or slimy surface.
How to Check
Visual: Homemade tortillas are more prone to mold. Check thoroughly for any fuzzy spots. Smell: They will develop a sour smell much quicker than commercial ones. Touch: Feel for any stickiness or sliminess.
Storage Tips
These have no preservatives, so their shelf life is much shorter. Store immediately in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator.
opened fridge5-10 days
Signs of Spoilage
Mold growth (fuzzy green, black, or white spots), sour or unpleasant smell, sticky or slimy texture, excessive dryness leading to brittleness.
How to Check
Visual: Inspect both sides of each tortilla for any signs of mold. Check the edges carefully. Smell: Fan the tortillas and smell them. A sour, fermented, or musty odor means they're bad. Touch: Feel the surface. If it's slimy, sticky, or unusually hard and brittle, discard them. Good tortillas should be soft and pliable.
Storage Tips
Re-seal the package tightly after each use, or transfer to an airtight container or zip-top bag to prevent drying out and mold growth. Store in the coldest part of the fridge.
freezer6-8 months for best quality, safe indefinitely
Signs of Spoilage
Freezer burn (dry, discolored spots), which affects quality but not safety. Off-flavors or stale taste after thawing if stored too long or improperly.
How to Check
Visual: Check for excessive freezer burn (ice crystals, dried-out patches). While safe, it will impact texture and taste. Smell/Taste (after thawing): Should still smell neutral and taste fresh. If it tastes stale or freezer-burnt, it's a quality issue.
Storage Tips
To freeze: Place parchment paper or wax paper between each tortilla, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents sticking and freezer burn. To thaw: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Individual tortillas can often be heated directly from frozen on a griddle or in a microwave.