Ever wonder how to take care of your tortillas once you’ve brought them home? Here are answers to commonly asked questions:
Q: Should I refrigerate my tortillas or leave them out at room temperature?
A: We recommend that you refrigerate your tortillas after purchase to help extend the shelf life. Even though our packages are re-sealable, once the package is open storing your tortillas in a cool refrigerator helps them last through the shelf life. It’s important to store your tortillas at a steady temperature. Room temperature tends to vary from home to home, so we recommend refrigeration to help maintain freshness. Just remember to bring the tortillas back to room temperature before use.
Q: If I freeze my tortillas, will they all stick together when I thaw them?
A: No, your tortillas won’t stick together if you freeze them. The most important thing to do is gradually bring them back to room temperature before you use them. If you freeze them, we recommend that you put the package in the refrigerator overnight. Then take the tortillas out 30 minutes before use to bring them to room temperature. Rushing the process is where you may see some sticking.
Q: How long do tortillas “last” once the package is opened?
A: If the package is well sealed and stored in the refrigerator, it will last until the “Best By” date found printed on each package.
Q: If I’m planning on using part of the package now and part of the package later, should I freeze the second half?
A: That depends on how much later. If it’s going to be about a week (or outside the “Best By” date) then it might be a good idea to freeze them. Most of the time refrigerating the product should help the product last until you reuse them. Unopened packages can easily be stored in the freezer until use. However, once the product is thawed out, it should be consumed within the same day.
Q: What’s the best way to warm my tortillas?
A: We’ve found the best way is to hold the tortilla with tongs over an open flame (if you have a gas stove) for a few seconds on each side or until lightly toasted. You can also warm the tortillas on a hot flat grill or dry skillet for about 20-30 seconds per side until the tortilla begins to puff up slightly.
Q: How can I get that fresh, hot-off-the-tortilla-factory-line flavor?
A: Warming the tortillas before you eat them is the best way. When the tortilla is hot (warmed through completely), it will puff up just the way it did when it first came from the oven. Warming the tortilla on an open flame (if you have a gas stove) for a few seconds on each side is a great way to help achieve that “hot-off-the-line” tortilla flavor.
Q: Can I microwave my tortillas?
A: Warming the tortillas in the microwave is not the ideal way to heat them up. However, if this is your only option, we recommend wrapping the tortillas in a damp paper towel first. Then microwave no more that 20-30 seconds.
Q: Why do some corn tortillas split or break?
A: It’s very important to heat up your tortillas before preparing your dishes so that the tortilla is more pliable. Mi Rancho Tortillas are made from whole kernel corn which gives the tortilla a unique texture. When you warm up a corn tortilla before use, it will perform well and maintain strength and durability in even your sauciest dishes, like our enchilada recipe. Check out Mi Rancho’s Pure Corn Tortilla Joy video and learn more about Mi Rancho Tortillas and what we do to make our tortillas so special.