TORTILLAS

There were 381 tortilla manufacturing establishments in the U.S. in 2007, 1/3 of them in Texas. (US Census Bureau, 2010)

According to the U.S. Census Bureau there were 337 tortilla manufacturing establishments in the U.S. in 2004.

A tortilla is an unleavened flatbread or pancake made either of corn or wheat flour, water, vegetable shortening and a little salt. They are the plate, envelope or folder surrounding an array of delicious fillings.

     The word “tortilla” comes from the Spanish word “torta” which means “round cake.” According to Mayan legend, tortillas were invented by a peasant for his hungry king in ancient times. Corn tortillas date back around 10,000 years before Christ and were made of native corn with dried kernel. When the Spanish brought wheat to the New World, flour tortillas were created.

     A tortilla, once thought of as an ethnic food, has moved into the mainstream. Americans today are eating meatball tacos, corned beef on tortillas, tuna melt wraps, to name a few. Tortillas are not just for Mexican food anymore.

     The wheat flour tortilla is the fastest growing product line not only in the tortilla industry, but in the entire grain products industry. In 2000, the overall tortilla market in the United States was an estimated $4 billion, representing a 57 percent growth rate over the past four years.
Wheat Foods Council www.wheatfoods.org

The typical Mexican family of four consumes more than 2 pounds of tortillas each day.

Nachos - A Mexican and Southwestern U.S. inspired snack of crisp tortilla chips topped with melted cheese (usually Cheddar), and chilies. Frequently additional toppings are added: chopped onions, olives, refried beans, salsa, sour cream, etc.

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