Tips and Advice
6 ways to identify a counterfeit tortilla
By
Gretel Morales - 2022-08-12T13:12:33Z
Recently, there has been a rise in the prices of corn worldwide, including Mexico, which has resulted in the increased cost of corn tortillas in various cities across the country. According to different media outlets, the tortilla has reached $30 pesos per kilo. Since it is a staple food in the diet of Mexicans and is consumed in all homes and businesses, the price has affected a large portion of the population, a situation that has been exploited to sell the so-called pirate tortillas, which could cause health issues. A couple of days ago, reports emerged of the sale of pirate tortillas in Durango, Coahuila, and Sinaloa, which are produced with cobs, low-quality corn, dirty water, and alarming amounts of lime, making them a poor choice for mealtime. Knowing that this issue impacts your health and your economy, we at kiwilimón researched to explain how to identify a pirate tortilla, so run away if they're offered to you! You can also read: Is the tortilla healthy or not?How to identify a pirate tortilla? According to various media outlets, you should pay close attention if you see tortillas with the following characteristics: 1. The price If the price of tortillas is sky-high in your city and suddenly you find very cheap tortillas, they are likely pirate tortillas. 2. Pay attention to the color If the color looks strange and white, it is likely because the tortilla was made with cobs, which means it lacks the characteristic cream or yellow color of 100% corn tortillas. 3. Cold tortillas When you stop by your favorite tortillería, they always hand you warm tortillas; sometimes, they even give you a little tortilla to enjoy with salsa or a bit of salt! So, if you receive cold tortillas, they are likely pirate ones. You can also read: How to recognize a real tortilla?4. They smell bad If the tortillas smell strange, do not buy them, as they could not only be pirate but also make you sick. 5. They are wrapped in plastic Unlike tortillerías, where they are wrapped in brown paper, these may be packaged in plastic. 6. Check if they have any labeling If you buy your tortillas in stores or supermarkets, they come packaged and contain nutritional information and ingredients, so if they don't, they are likely pirate ones. Now, another good way to avoid pirate tortillas is to buy from your trusted tortillería, where you can observe the production process in real-time. How dangerous are pirate tortillas? The Milenio newspaper states that eating pirate tortillas could have serious health consequences: “it could cause some kind of rash, gastric problems, or stomach diseases, or even if they are produced with glyphosate, they could develop cancer in the long term.” You can also read: The evolution of corn tortillas, from ancient times to the present