The Process of Making Flour Tortillas in a Factory

How are flour tortillas made in a factory?
Tortillas can be industrially produced by dough pressing (hot-press) and extrusion (die-cut). Each operation requires different flour specifications, dough handling properties, and baking conditions, which result in various tortilla characteristics.
Read more on bakerpedia.com

A staple of Mexican cuisine, flour tortillas have gained popularity all over the world. These delicate flatbreads are used to prepare Mexican foods including burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and more. Some people prefer to make their own tortillas, while others choose to purchase them from a store. Have you ever thought about the manufacturing process for these tortillas, though? Here is a summary of how it works.

Mixing the ingredients is the first stage in producing flour tortillas. Oil, salt, and flour are mixed together in big mixers. The substance is worked into a nice dough. The dough is then let to rest for a while so that the gluten may form.

The dough is rolled out into a thin sheet after resting. The dough is divided into equal-sized rounds by tortilla-making machines. After that, the circles are put on a conveyor belt and fed through a device that cooks them on both sides. The tortillas are heated to the ideal temperature and texture in just a few seconds of cooking.

After being fried, the tortillas are cooled and stacked. Then they are packaged and delivered to shops. To extend the shelf life of the tortillas, some companies may add preservatives.

Is cooking tortillas at home worthwhile in this regard?

Store-bought tortillas can be replaced with homemade tortillas very easily. They are easy to make and less expensive to produce than to purchase. Homemade tortillas also differ from tortillas prepared in factories in terms of flavor and texture. Therefore, if you have the time and finances, it’s worthwhile to make your own tortillas. Why do the corn tortillas I make at home crack?

If homemade corn tortillas are too dry or too thin, they may crack. The dough must be rolled out to the proper thickness and must be sufficiently moist. The tortillas will be more prone to shattering if they are too dry since they won’t be malleable enough to roll. On the other side, they will crack easily if they are too thin.

Are tortillas made at home unhealthy?

Tortillas cooked at home may be healthier than tortillas purchased at the supermarket. They don’t include preservatives and are manufactured from basic components. They are a healthier alternative because you can regulate the quantity of salt and oil you add to the dough. How do I purchase tortillas?

You may purchase tortillas from grocers, supermarkets, and internet retailers. There are numerous brands and varieties available, including whole wheat, multigrain, and corn tortillas. Homemade tortillas may also be available in some stores. Verify the ingredients and expiration date on the tortillas’ label before purchasing. Fresh tortillas are always preferred because they have greater flavor and texture.

In conclusion, mixing the ingredients, kneading the dough, flattening it, cutting it into circles, heating it, and packaging it are all steps in the manufacturing process of flour tortillas. In comparison to store-bought tortillas, homemade tortillas are more affordable and more nutritious. To prevent breaking when creating homemade tortillas, make sure the dough is sufficiently moist and smoothed out to the proper thickness. Tortillas are available from supermarkets, internet retailers, and grocery stores.

FAQ
How many tortillas are sold each year?

Unfortunately, the report doesn’t mention how many tortillas are sold annually.

Leave a Comment