Main Difference – Tortilla vs Wrap
Flatbreads, which are a type of bread made of flour and water, have been passed down from generation to generation in different cultures. Tortillas are very popular flatbreads in the American continent. Many Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos and enchiladas are made with tortillas. A wrap is made with a soft flatbread rolled around a filling. Flatbreads such as tortillas, pita and lavash are typically used for the wrappings in a wrap. The key difference between tortilla and wrap is that tortillas are made with unleavened dough while most wraps typically contain yeast, which is a leavening agent.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is a Tortilla
– Definition, Preparation, Ingredients, Dishes
2. What is a Wrap
– Definition, Preparation, Ingredients
3. What is the Difference Between Tortilla and Wrap
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms: Burrito, Chilaquiles, Enchilada, Flautas, Quesadilla, Taco, Tortilla, Tostadas , Wrap
What is a Tortilla
Tortilla is a type of thin, soft unleavened flatbread. Tortillas can be made with corn flour as well as with wheat flour. But, the term ‘tortilla’ is commonly used to refer to wheat tortillas. The wheat tortilla originates from the corn tortilla. Wheat tortillas are also known as flour tortillas. It is made with an unleavened, water-based dough.
Figure 1: Tortillas
Tortillas are the basis of many other dishes, especially Mexican cuisine. They are eaten with meat, vegetables, mashed potatoes, cheese and other ingredients. Mexican food such as tacos, burritos and quesadillas are made with wheat tortillas. Corn tortillas are used for dishes such as tostadas, enchiladas, flautas, and chilaquiles.
Figure 2: Burrito
Tortilla Based Dishes
Burrito – a large wheat flour tortilla wrapped around a filling
Enchilada – a corn tortilla rolled around a filling and covered with a chili pepper sauce
Taco – a corn or wheat tortilla folded around a filling
Quesadilla – a tortilla filled with cheese and heated
Flautas – a corn tortilla rolled tightly around a filling and deep-fried
Tostadas – a tortilla fried until crisp and usually topped with a variety of ingredients
Chilaquiles – fried tortilla strips typically topped with a spicy tomato sauce and cheese
What is a Wrap
A wrap refers to a food that is made with a soft flatbread rolled around a filling. Flatbreads such as tortillas, pita and lavash are used for the wrappings while fillings include ingredients such as meat and fish, accompanied shredded lettuce, diced tomato, grilled onions, guacamole, mushrooms, cheese, and sauce.
Figure 3: Vegetable and Chicken Wrap
Not all wraps are made of tortillas. Wraps are typically larger than regular tortillas. This larger surface area allows more fillings. It’s also easier to cut the wrap sandwiches in half because of this size. Tortillas, however, are not cut in half.
Wraps may sometimes contain flavors and spices. They might also contain sugar or honey. But, these ingredients are never found in tortillas.
Difference Between Tortilla and Wrap
Definition
Tortilla: Tortilla is a thin, round, unleavened bread prepared from corn or wheat flour.
Wrap: Wrap is made with a soft flatbread rolled around a filling.
Dough
Tortilla: Tortillas are made with unleavened dough.
Wrap: Most wraps typically contain yeast.
Size
Tortilla: Tortillas are typically smaller in size
Wrap: Wraps may be larger than tortillas and cut in half.
Flavor
Tortilla: Tortillas do not contain flavors or spices.
Wrap: Wraps may contain flavors or spices.
Sugar
Tortilla: Tortillas do not contain sugar.
Wrap: Wraps typically contain sugar and honey.
Conclusion
A tortilla is a thin and soft flatbread that is popular in the Americas. A wrap is made with a soft flatbread rolled around a filling. A wrap can be made with various flatbreads, including tortillas. The key difference between tortilla and wrap is that tortillas are typically made with unleavened dough whereas wraps (except those that use tortillas) typically contain yeast, which is a leavening agent.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Balboa 20 bg 120603” By Jon Sullivan – (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “2456038” (CC0) via Pixabay
3. “vegetable and chicken wrap” by Marco Verch (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
Leave a Reply