Tortilla
(Tortillas)
Tortilla, originally a corn flatbread, is one of the essential bread varieties that has been present in Mexican culture for thousands of years. The first tortilla was created out of the staple ingredient of indigenous cultures, the ubiquitous corn.
It was an ingredient used by the ancient Mesoamerican people, who would store the corn kernels and later process them to create masa, which was then formed into balls and hand pressed to create the familiar, round and thin tortilla. This ancient tradition is still present among some native Indian groups, who are excessively trained to perfect the art of making authentic tortillas.
The narrative of the tortilla has been inadvertently changed after the arrival of Spanish conquistadors to the area in the 15th century. The conquistadors brought their different culinary traditions, in which wheat played a crucial role, while the authentic corn was regarded as food of the plebeians. Read more
However, the tradition of growing and cooking with corn remained popular in rural areas among the indigenous Indians. The emergence of the wheat tortilla is believed to have happened during the colonial time, but what caused its appearance is not quite clear.
Some theories claim that it grew out of the European tradition, some that it was an intentional invention of Indians to please the palates of European conquistadors, and some even say that the exiled Spanish Jews created it since they believed corn was not kosher.
Regardless of the reason, wheat tortilla has first spread around the area of the Rio Grande River and continued to gain popularity following the agricultural production and advancement. Today, tortillas are not only a Mexican favorite: due to proximity, historical influence, and large Hispanic influx, tortillas have stopped being regarded as an ethnic bread in the United States, and have thoroughly been immersed as a part of the American culinary heritage.
Today, tortillas are usually used as a foundation and a wrapper to numerous dishes such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. They are also commonly served alongside stews and chilies, where they are often used as an accompaniment and a utensil used to scoop the dish.
Whether made with corn or wheat, this ancient Mexican product has gained followers around the world and has become one of the most common bread varieties in the world.
