Tortillas have been a mainstay of Mexican cuisine for a very long time. Tacos, burritos, and enchiladas are just a few of the many foods that can be made with them. Despite the fact that they are both so widely used, everyone has a preference of either corn or flour tortillas
If you’re unsure, which do you like best? Here is a comparison between corn and flour tortillas, what is healthier for your taco, and what foods each goes well with.
Corn Tortillas vs. Flour Tortillas: What Are Their Differences?
Corn Tortillas
Corn tortillas have been a staple of Mexican cuisine for thousands of years. They are the go-to option when you want to make an authentic Mexican dish. Not only is corn used frequently in Mexican dishes, but it has also been around much longer than flour tortillas making them the ideal choice if authenticity is your goal.
Corn tortillas are made of masa harina, a special corn flour. They are typically thicker and smaller than their flour counterparts. Corn tortillas have a firmer texture and a distinctive flavor that is earthy and slightly sweet. They are also gluten-free, so they’re ideal for those with Celiac disease or sensitivity to gluten.
Flour Tortillas
Historically, corn tortillas have been around considerably longer than their wheat-based counterparts. As a matter of fact, the arrival of flour tortillas in Mexico and Central America was only made possible by Spanish colonists introducing wheat to the area – something that had not previously existed there. Without their influence on local cuisine, it’s safe to say that today we wouldn’t be talking about flour tortillas at all!
Flour tortillas are made of wheat flour. They are thinner than corn tortillas and have a softer texture. Flour tortillas also have a sweeter flavor, making them the favorite choice to use in sweet dishes like dessert tacos or breakfast burritos.
What Is the Healthier Option?
Generally speaking, both corn and flour tortillas can be made with minimal fat, so they are both fairly healthy options. However, corn tortillas have the edge when it comes to nutrition since they have the advantage to be made of whole grains. Made from whole grain, corn tortillas have more fiber and other vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B6 and iron.
White flour tortillas may contain double the calories and fat in comparison to corn tortillas, so caution should be advised when consuming them. This combination of higher calorie and fat content without enough fiber could potentially contribute to health risks such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer. On the positive side, they have more iron and calcium than their counterparts – making moderation essential if you are looking for a healthier lifestyle.
What Foods Go Best With Corn vs Flour Tortillas?
Corn tortillas go well with Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and tamales. They are also perfect for use in tostadas, sopes, and quesadillas.
Flour tortillas are often used in burritos, fajitas, and chimichangas. They are also great for making quesadillas, sweet dishes like dessert tacos, and breakfast burritos.
Corn and flour tortillas provide a delicious and versatile option for creating Mexican-inspired and tex-mex dishes.
Which Type of Tortilla Should You Choose for Your Tacos?
Tacos offer a unique level of flexibility. Opt for corn tortillas to make classic, genuine tacos; there’s no better way! The taste and texture provided by high-quality corn tortillas bring out the flavor of traditional ingredients. If you ever find yourself at a restaurant specializing in Mexican or Central American cuisine, it is almost guaranteed that they will have tacos prepared with corn rather than flour.
At Taco Guy Catering, we offer both options of tortilla taco shells, but which one should you choose for your tacos? Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference. You can opt for corn tortillas if you prefer a firmer texture and earthy flavor, or choose flour for a softer texture and sweeter taste. The choice is yours! No matter which type of tortilla you choose, we have ingredients available to make wonderful tacos with either option.
Authentic Mexican Caterers in California
Mexican food has various delicious dishes you can try. Now that you have been provided with reliable information about flavor, consistency, and even nutritional values, the decision should be straightforward, depending on your individual tastes and interests.
Taco Guy Catering is the right choice if you are looking for an authentic Mexican taco catering company in California. We offer delicious, freshly-made tacos with homemade tortillas and traditional salsas. Try our tacos made with corn- or flour-based shells, filled with your favorite ingredients, and served hot off the grill! We also serve other Mexican favorites like sopes, nachos, tortas, and more. Give us a call today to book your next Mexican-themed event!
