The Difference Between Tortillas and Wraps

Tortillas and wraps are types of flatbread used around the world. Traditionally, flatbread is made from flour, water, and salt without yeast. The dough is rolled out flat and baked, usually in a brick oven. Many of us may think that these are 2 of the same things, but tortillas and wraps differ in several characteristics. That’s why 5-Minute Crafts decided to explain the main differences between tortillas and wraps.

1. What a tortilla is

The tortilla is a flatbread from Mexico. It’s round, thin, and made from unleavened cornmeal or wheat flour, but this is less common. Tortillas can be used to scoop up sauced or stewed dishes or can be filled with ingredients.

• When making tacos, the tortillas are folded, and any meat, beans, cheese, or a spicy sauce are put into it.
• Enchiladas are made by wrapping the filling in a tortilla and then baking them in a sauce.
• And tostadas are made by crisply frying tortillas and topping them with meat, beans, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.

In the past, the corn (maize) was boiled with unslaked lime to soften the kernels and loosen the hulls. Then the grains would be ground on a stone saddle quern or metate. After that, small pieces of dough were patted by hand into thin disks. The tortillas that formed were then baked on a comal, a griddle of earthenware or iron. Today, tortillas are made by machines in tortillerías.

2. What a wrap is

The wrap is another type of flatbread. It serves the same purpose as a slice of bread, to hold the filling. The initial idea for filling the wrap has transformed into over a dozen concepts. And now you can put in ingredients of your choice, such as guacamole, meat, cheese, grilled onions, etc.

The nutritional content can be different, but healthy wraps can be a good way to break the monotony of your meals. The first wrap is thought to have originated in California. And while it is not certain who first invented the wrap, it is known that it was created in the late ’80s or early ’90s of the last century.

3. Differences between tortillas and wraps

The 3 main differences between tortillas and wraps are:

• Preparation: The wraps are mostly made with yeast. The dough is not allowed to rise too much. Tortillas are made without yeast, and their texture is less porous and airy. Wraps are also baked. The length of time they’re cooked for influences their crispiness. For example, the baking time for wraps is less than 10 minutes. Tortillas are usually fried for a few seconds on each side in a hot pan or skillet.

• Size: Wraps are bigger than tortillas and, therefore, can be filled with more ingredients. It also allows them to be cut in half. However, with tortillas, this is not a common practice.

• Flavor: Since wraps are a more plain type of flatbread, bakers can add various flavors and spices. For example, honey or sugar is often added to them — but with tortillas, that’s not the case.