Shelf Life Tips
- How long do tortillas last? The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep tortillas that have been sold unrefrigerated in a cool, dry area.
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To maximize the shelf life of tortillas, keep tightly closed in original packaging.
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Properly stored, tortillas that have been sold unrefrigerated will keep at normal room temperature for about 1 week after the date on the package.
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Can you freeze tortillas? Yes, to freeze wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place in a heavy-duty freezer bag.
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Place tortillas in the freezer before the number of days shown for pantry storage have elapsed.
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How long do tortillas last in the freezer? Properly stored, tortillas will maintain best quality in the freezer for about 3 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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The freezer time shown are for best quality only - tortillas that have been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
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Are tortillas safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package? Yes, provided they are properly stored, the package is undamaged and there are no signs of spoilage (see below) - commercially packaged tortillas will typically carry a "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before," or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the tortillas will remain at peak quality.
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How to tell if tortillas are bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the tortillas: discard any tortillas that have an off smell or appearance; if mold appears, discard the entire package.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
