When buying tortilla mix, look for a specific label, short list of traditional ingredients, lack of chemical preservatives, and clean market conditions. The mix should contain stone-ground cornmeal, calcium hydroxide, and salt, but no chemical additives.
Corn tortillas made in the comfort of your own home can taste so much better than store-bought tortillas that they’re worth making. The majority of people; however, you don’t have the time or equipment to grind dried corn. That’s why many supermarkets, especially in areas with large Hispanic populations, mix tortilla chips. You can pick the best of these by looking for a specific label, short list of traditional ingredients, lack of chemical preservatives, and clean market conditions.
The first thing to look for when buying quality tortilla mix is a specific product label. For those unfamiliar with Hispanic cuisine, it can be easy to confuse tortilla mix with other corn products, such as polenta or cornmeal. Those products don’t have the right ingredients to make good tortillas. Mixes intended for use in making homemade tortillas will be labeled “tortilla mix.” In areas with a high Hispanic population, mixes may also be labeled “Masa Harina.”
A high-quality tortilla mix will also have a short list of specific ingredients. The first ingredient you should look for is stone-ground cornmeal, which is traditional but also offers whole grains and nutritious fiber. Calcium hydroxide — also called “cal” or “slaked lime” — is a classic alkaline additive that helps the body digest vitamins in corn, such as niacin. Most tortilla mixes also include salt, because tortillas made without it tend to taste bland or flat.
Just like there are ingredients to look for in tortilla mix, there are also some you should avoid. Foodborne pathogens do not survive well in dry, salty environments such as those found in grain-based salt mixes. Therefore, no chemical preservatives are needed. If you see chemical preservatives in the product ingredients list, put it back. These chemical additives will detract from the flavor of your tortilla, possibly giving the finished product a sharp, sulfuric, or otherwise off-flavor.
Finally, the best tortilla mix should be sold in a sanitary condition. Most of the mixes are sold canned, although large supermarkets and health food stores often stock tortilla mixes in bulk. If you’re buying a boxed mix, the box itself and all seals should be intact, with no holes or dents. Bulk mixes should be stored in clean containers with lids. When you see visible dirt or grime on the bins or on the floor near them, you should buy from another store.
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