Some people may refer to these as a “corn tortilla press,” “tortilla maker,” “prensa para tortillas,” or “tortilladora.” Just as it can be called many things, it can also serve multiple purposes.
Interested in knowing how to use this artefact?
The art of creating the perfect tortilla, whether made from corn or flour, lies at the heart of traditional Mexican cooking. With the aid of a traditional Mexican tortilla press, you can unlock the secrets to achieving homemade tortillas that are soft, flavorful, and truly authentic.
The Rich History of the Mexican Tortilla Press: A Timeless Culinary Tool
In the realm of Mexican cuisine, the tortilla press stands as a symbol of tradition and craftsmanship. This humble yet essential tool has played a vital role in the creation of authentic tortillas for generations. With its roots deeply embedded in Mexican culinary history, the traditional Mexican tortilla press has become a treasured item in kitchens worldwide.
Origins and Evolution:
The origins of the Mexican tortilla press can be traced back centuries to the Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Aztecs and Mayans. These ancient cultures understood the importance of corn in their diet and developed methods to transform corn masa into flat, round discs, known as tortillas. The early tortilla-making process involved shaping the masa dough by hand, a labor-intensive method that required skill and time.
As time passed, the tortilla press emerged as a revolutionary tool, simplifying and streamlining the tortilla-making process. Early presses were made from natural materials such as wood and stone, reflecting the resources readily available to the communities. Today, CEMCUI proudly offers Mesquite wooden tortilla presses, honoring the authenticity and traditional craftsmanship of Mexican culinary heritage.
The Significance of Wooden Tortilla Presses:
Wooden tortilla presses have stood the test of time and remain popular among home cooks and professional chefs alike. The use of wood in tortilla presses is not only a nod to tradition but also provides distinct advantages:
Even Pressure Distribution: Wooden tortilla presses are known for their ability to distribute pressure evenly, resulting in uniformly thin and round tortillas. The sturdy construction of a wooden press ensures consistent thickness and texture, guaranteeing perfectly shaped tortillas every time.
Durability and Longevity: Mesquite Wood is renowned for its durability, making wooden tortilla presses a long-lasting investment. When properly cared for, these presses can withstand years of use, preserving their functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Whether youre crafting corn or flour tortillas, the wooden press ensures that each tortilla is created with care and attention to detail, honoring the culinary heritage of Mexico.
How To Use A Tortilla Press
FAQ
What is a tortilla press called in Mexico?
What is the real name for a tortilla press?
What is a tortilla flattener called?
Is there a press for flour tortillas?
What is a tortilla press?
A tortilla press is a traditional device with a pair of flat round surfaces of about 8-inch plus to crush balls of corn dough in order to obtain round corn tortillas or flour tortillas. Tortillas are pressed out between sheets of plastic or corn leaves. Tortilla presses are usually made of cast iron, cast aluminium or wood.
What is a tortilla press made of?
(Other tortilla presses in the market are made of plastic and also of Aluminum. To make a tortilla, you press a small ball of corn masa between the two pieces of the press (using sheets of plastic from a plastic bag as a liner), using the handle to press down and flatten the dough to form the tortilla’s circular form.
Do you need a tortilla press to make tortillas?
Nothing beats a homemade corn tortilla. If you have never used a tortilla press (tortilla maker) before they’re simple to use and inexpensive. They are a great addition to your Mexican kitchen. Time to make some tortillas! Yeah…! Obviously, you are going to need some tortilla dough called masa to make tortillas. The first option, make the dough.
What can you make with a tortilla press?
Tortillera are also great to help make gorditas, corn quesadillas, and sopes. There are two types of traditional Mexican tortilla presses, those made out of wood, and those made out of metal, like the one above. These presses tend to last a long time and can sometimes even last for generations.