Tortilla Making: History and Process

Tortillas are more than just flatbreads — they’re a food of heritage, simplicity, and everyday nourishment. Just like sourdough, tortillas turn a few humble ingredients into something greater. This page brings together the history and process of tortilla making, so you can appreciate where they come from and learn how to make them at home.

A Brief History of Tortillas

Tortillas have been a staple food for thousands of years.

  • Corn tortillas originated in ancient Mesoamerica, where civilizations like the Mayans and Aztecs relied on corn as their foundation crop. Through nixtamalization — soaking and cooking corn in lime water — they unlocked both nutrition and flavor, creating the first tortillas.
  • Flour tortillas developed later in northern Mexico after the introduction of wheat by Spanish colonists. Softer and more pliable, they became popular in regions where wheat thrived.

Today, both corn and flour tortillas are enjoyed worldwide, carrying forward a tradition of craft and community.

Looking for Tortilla Recipes?

Click here to browse our collection of homemade tortilla recipes!

Tortillas and the Craft of Baking

Like sourdough, tortillas invite you to slow down and connect with tradition. They’re quick to make, but each step — from mixing the dough to pressing the rounds — links you to a practice passed down for generations. Learning tortillas is both a cooking skill and a way to celebrate food history.

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