Blue corn tortillas
Blue corn tortillas are a traditional Mexican flatbread made from masa harina ground from blue corn, a variety of maize with a deep purple-blue hue. They are typically made with just blue corn flour, water, and a pinch of salt, and are a staple in Southwestern U.S. and Mexican cuisine. Their distinctive color comes from natural anthocyanin pigments in the corn's hull.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
These tortillas are a moderate source of complex carbohydrates and provide a good amount of dietary fiber, with a modest amount of plant-based protein. A single tortilla typically contains around 50-70 calories, making it a lighter alternative to many grain-based breads.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 60 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
| Iron | 0.8 mg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg |
| Phosphorus | 60 mg |
| Potassium | 90 mg |
| Zinc | 0.4 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.1 mg |
| Folate | 15 mcg |
| Anthocyanins | Present |
Per 1 medium tortilla (about 50 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The blue color is due to anthocyanins, the same powerful antioxidants found in blueberries and red cabbage. Nutritionally, blue corn has been shown to have a lower glycemic index than white or yellow corn, which may help in managing blood sugar levels.
