Corn Or Flour Tortillas For Street Tacos
Street tacos are an iconic food in the United States, with millions of people enjoying these delicious treats every year. One of the key ingredients in a street taco is the tortilla, which can be made from either corn or flour. This has long been a subject of debate among taco enthusiasts, with some preferring one type of tortilla over the other. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the pros and cons of each type of tortilla and help you decide which is best for your street tacos.
Corn Tortillas
Corn tortillas are a traditional Mexican food made from masa harina, which is a type of corn flour. They are typically thinner and smaller than flour tortillas, and have a distinctive yellow color. Corn tortillas have been around for thousands of years and were a staple food in the diet of the ancient Aztecs.
There are several benefits to using corn tortillas for street tacos. For one, they have a great texture and flavor that complements the fillings perfectly. Corn tortillas are also gluten-free, which is a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Additionally, they are lower in calories and carbohydrates than flour tortillas.
However, there are also some drawbacks to using corn tortillas. They can be a bit more fragile than flour tortillas, which means that they might not hold up as well to toppings like guacamole or salsa. They also have a shorter shelf life than flour tortillas and can dry out quite easily.
Flour Tortillas
Flour tortillas are a more recent innovation, with origins in the Spanish colonial period. They are made from wheat flour and are typically larger and softer than corn tortillas. Flour tortillas have become more popular in recent years, particularly in the United States, where they are a common ingredient in burritos, quesadillas, and other Tex-Mex dishes.
One of the main benefits of using flour tortillas for street tacos is that they are much more flexible than corn tortillas. This means that they can be filled with a wider range of ingredients without breaking apart. Flour tortillas also have a longer shelf life than corn tortillas and will stay fresh for longer periods of time.
On the downside, flour tortillas are not gluten-free, so they are not an option for those with gluten sensitivities. They are also higher in calories and carbohydrates than corn tortillas, which might be a concern for some people.
So Which Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between corn and flour tortillas for street tacos comes down to personal preference. Both types of tortillas have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it's up to you to decide which one you like best.
If you're looking for a gluten-free option that is lower in calories, then corn tortillas might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more flexible tortilla that can hold a wider range of ingredients, then flour tortillas might be a better choice.
In the end, the most important thing is to use high-quality tortillas that taste great and complement your fillings perfectly. Whether you choose corn or flour tortillas, you can't go wrong with a delicious street taco.