Mexican researchers have created a new tortilla that remains fresh for days without the need for refrigeration, a problem common to millions of households lacking cooling appliances. This tortilla-free refrigerator may change the way food is stored throughout rural and urban communities in Mexico, where fresh corn tortillas are part of every day’s diet.
The innovation belongs to researchers at the Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV), who employed a unique mix of natural antioxidants and vacuum-sealing processes to make the tortillas free of mold and soft up to 10 days. The mission was to increase shelf life without impairing flavor, texture, or nutritional value—a feat that had escaped food scientists for decades.
In Mexico, fresh corn tortillas are typically purchased each day from neighborhood tortillerías, but for most families, especially in low-income or rural communities, refrigeration is unavailable or limited. These new tortillas provide a convenient, inexpensive option that could cut food waste, save money, and enhance food security for millions.
The project is now in its testing and scaling phase, with hopes of launching the product in neighborhood markets and public distribution centers soon. Experts say this tortilla innovation could also be adapted for use in humanitarian aid, school meal programs, and global regions facing similar storage challenges.
