Why You Should Always Warm Your Tortillas

Homemade flour tortillas and classic corn tortillas are a staple for anyone who loves Mexican-inspired meals and dishes. There is just something about this circular flat bread that Delighted Cooking explains is made by mixing corn or wheat flour with a little water and salt. According to Alto Hartley, the tortilla was invented by the Mayans to satiate the appetite of royalty, but when it came to the naming rights, the Spanish took over. Mayan Mexican notes the early version of the tortilla was primarily made of corn, but sometimes makers would use squash or other ingredients to produce this food. And while the tortilla's birth may have been 12,000 years ago, the site goes on to reveal this "little cake's" popularity has only increased over the centuries. 

Today, the tortilla industry is worth over $6 billion and modern technology has led to the creation of a tortilla machine that can produce 60,000 tortillas in a single hour (Mayan Mexican). We love these chewy disks that transform into our favorite tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas. 

Whether you love traditional Mexican meals made at home or those from fast food favorites like Taco Bell, Chipotle, or Del Taco, the tortilla is an essential ingredient. Still, it might surprise you to learn that tortillas are meant to be served warm. 

Why should tortillas be warmed before serving? According to The Kitchn, warming your tortillas makes them soft and easy to fold. This is important when you are layering all those delicious fillings into your burritos and soft shell tacos. Atlo Hartley goes on to reveal serving tortillas warm makes the eating experience better, which is why tortilla warmers and cast iron handle covers for tortillas are so essential when you are dining at a restaurant. 

To warm your tortillas, Spruce Eats suggests using the microwave. Not only will it warm and soften a tortilla that has become a little rigid, it will replenish lost moisture when you cover it with a damp paper towel. This will create a nice steam for your tortilla to absorb. If you have to heat a batch, the Kitchn recommends wrapping a group of no more than five in tin foil and placing them in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Let them warm-up for 15 to 20 minutes and you're in business. If you prefer to use the stove top, heat a stainless skillet. Skip any oil or grease and let each tortilla warn for about 30 seconds.