About Tortillas

Tortillas are a flat bread that can be filled with a variety of foods like rice, beans or meat. A foundational component of many Mexican meals, tortillas have gained worldwide popularity, becoming a multimillion-dollar industry, according to the Tortilla Industry Association.

Corn Tortillas

Primarily used in Central America, Mexico and the United States, corn tortillas are made of corn, water and lime and cooked on a hot stone or skillet. They are often used to make tacos.

Flour Tortillas

Also popular in Mexico and the United States, flour tortillas are usually made of wheat flour, fat and water. They are cooked on a hot stone or skillet and can be eaten as an accompaniment to a meal or can be filled.

Bolivia, Chile and Argentina

In some regions of South America, tortillas are more like a small cake. These are also made primarily of corn or flour and are cooked over warm coals.

Spain, Puerto Rico and Cuba

In some countries, a tortilla is more like a flat omelet comprised of eggs, potatoes and onions cooked over a low temperature.

United States

Tortillas are very popular in the U.S. They are the main component of many favorite American foods, such as burritos, tortilla chips and Tex-Mex foods such as flautas, enchiladas and tostadas.

References

• Tortilla Industry Association