How To Wrap A Wrap So it Doesn’t Fall Apart On You
A delicious wrap is the perfect way to enjoy a delicious and balanced mix of protein, healthy carbs and veggies. A soft wrap not only holds everything together but adds a taste and texture to every bite.
We know, though, that wrapping a wrap can actually be intimidating! Don’t be shy, give it a try – we’re here to help!
Why Do We Love Wraps?
Wraps are the all the rage because they are simply so convenient and flexible and a perfect alternative to elevate a sandwich and contain your favorite fixings.
Wraps Contain Fewer Carbs and Calories
The average whole-wheat tortilla wrap contains around 210 calories with 34 grams of carbohydrates.
Compared that with two slices of whole-wheat bread which on average contain 240 calories and 46 grams of carbohydrates and you can see why health-conscious consumers favor wraps.
Of course, you should always look at nutrition labels to see if there are other nutrients in the wrap or the bread that you usually buy to make a better comparison.
Wraps Can Hold More Ingredients Than Two Slices of Bread
When it comes to fillings, we love the way wraps do a great job holding in more ingredients. There’s just far more space to place your favorite items!
You can stuff with a fresh serving of greens or veggies and still have lots of room for protein in a wrap, making it the most convenient vessel to enjoy your breakfast, lunch or even dinner with no need for a knife and fork. Plus, they’re super portable – easy to take on the go or pack for a later lunch.
When you compare this to a sandwich, it’s easy to see why many people prefer wraps for a more filling meal.
Wraps are Easier to Eat
Bite into a big sandwich and you may soon have sauce oozing out the side and your ingredients tumbling to the plate.
In comparison, a wrap contains everything in a tidy pocket with no spillage assuming you’ve used a quality, soft tortilla wrap, making it much easier to eat.
Ready to swap bread for a wrap?
Why a Properly Wrapped Wrap is Important
One thing that puts people off eating wraps is the fact they can fall apart at almost any moment.
A wrap will usually unravel itself if it hasn’t been made properly. If you have too many ingredients inside your wrap, it can also fall apart very easily and can cause more of a mess than a sandwich.
It’s for this reason that many people are scared about making their own wraps and would prefer to buy something from a store or restaurant instead. But that’s something that can be solved.
If your wraps tend to unravel or split, we’ve got you covered. There’s a method to making the perfect wrap and we’re here to share!
Different Methods to Wrap a Wrap
Fortunately, there are several easy ways to help you master the art of wrapping a wrap.
We’ll start with some general tips on how you should approach a wrap, and then give you some specific details on a variety of ways to wrap a wrap, along with a video demonstration.
General Tips for Wrapping
- Make sure you use a large tortilla wrap! Make room for all those great ingredients. If your wrap is too small, it can be tricky to work with. A good rule of thumb is to fill the ingredients to 1/3 the size of the wrap.
- A soft wrap is easier to handle and fold. Warm the tortilla wrap before you use it. Simply microwave it for a few seconds or place it on a dry heated skillet on low heat. This will help your tortilla wrap become more malleable, especially if it’s been sitting in a fridge for a while. This makes your tortilla wrap less likely to tear when you fold it.
- Spread the filling around. You want to ensure that you spread the filling around, so it doesn’t leak out of the sides when you start wrapping it.
- Try to avoid too many wet ingredients, such as an excess of dressing or sauce. If possible, you want to use fewer wet ingredients because moisture can eventually make your wrap soggy and fall apart.
- If you’re not eating it right away, wrap it in foil. Foil is strong enough to help the wrap hold its shape. Place a large piece of aluminum foil underneath the tortilla wrap so it’s easier to wrap around once it’s done.
Standard Folding Method
The standard folding method is what most people go with.
- Start with the fillings in the middle of your tortilla wrap, making sure it doesn’t cover more than a third of the surface area.
- Fold the left and right edges of the wrap towards the center over the ingredients.
- Bring the bottom of the tortilla wrap up towards the center.
- Using a fork or spoon, pack the filling tighter so the remainder of the wrap surface has more empty space.
- As you tuck the filling in, continue rolling the wrap from the bottom until you reach the end.
- Just before you completely wrap it, add a bit of sauce onto the tortilla wrap to act as a sealant for the wrap.
- Press down on the wrap and hold it in place to help it keep the shape.
- Tuck in the sides to make it look a little more appealing.
- Cut diagonally across the middle and serve!
Cylinder Roll Method
This method is faster and generally preferred if you plan to eat the wrap immediately.
- Place the filling horizontally across the middle of your tortilla wrap. Make sure there’s no filling on the edges of the tortilla wrap because it will spill out.
- Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla wrap towards the center, tucking in any of the fillings you have leftover.
- Roll the wrap, making sure to tuck in any filling that spills out.
- As you reach the end, spread some sauce over the remainder of the tortilla wrap to help it seal.
- Once you finish rolling, tuck in the edges of the tortilla wrap to help secure the wrap.
- You can cut it diagonally here if you want, but you want to ensure the side with the fold stays at the bottom to prevent it from unraveling.
Envelope Fold Method
This creates a much shorter wrap but allows for more filling.
- Place your filling into the center of the tortilla wrap. You can be a little more liberal with your filling using this method, but not don’t overdo it!
- Fold the left and right sides into the middle. It should overlap a bit over the filling.
- Pick up the bottom side of the tortilla wrap and bring it up towards the center starting from the bottom. You should use a folding motion here and not a roll.
- With each fold, make sure you secure the filling by pressing it down gently. This should be done in about two or three swift motions before the wrap is complete.
- Once you’re done, you can cut the wrap to serve it. Since there’s a lot of filling in this one, it’s a great way to present your wrap.
Common Mistakes That People Make When Wrapping
Hopefully, the methods above should have given you a good idea of how you can successfully make your own wraps at home.
However, if you’re still having trouble, here are some common mistakes that people make.
Buying a Low-Quality Tortilla Wrap
The tortilla wrap itself should be fairly decent in quality. Low-quality tortilla wraps are likely to tear, even if you’re being careful.
A thicker or more pliable tortilla wrap is going to be much easier to work with.
Consider purchasing tortilla wraps that are easy to work with and help give you an easier time wrapping, such as a reputable brand like Toufayan.
Forgetting to Heat the Wrap
Most people keep their wraps in the fridge which makes them difficult to work with. Since they’re cold, it makes them more brittle and thus prone to splitting and tearing.
It’s recommended that you heat the wrap in the microwave or place them on a dry hot skillet for a few seconds.
Adding Too Much Filling
If you feel like your wraps are always bursting and can barely hold anything, then you’re probably using far too much filling.
We’d suggest following a wrap recipe to get a better idea of how much you should be filling the wrap, and also to get some more ideas on what you can put in your wraps.
Using a Small Tortilla Wrap
Alternatively, you could just be using a tortilla wrap that’s too small for your needs.
If you want to use a lot of filling, make sure your tortilla wrap is large enough. You should be using no more than a third of the surface area for fillings.
Why Sealing a Wrap is Important
Sealing a wrap properly ensures that all your delicious ingredients stay inside, maintaining the integrity of the wrap and making it easier to eat. Let’s dive into some effective sealing techniques to keep your wrap intact:
The Melted Cheese Seal
Using melted cheese as a sealant not only helps keep your wrap together but also adds a delightful, cheesy flavor to every bite. Here’s how to master this tasty technique:
- Prepare Your Wrap: Assemble your wrap as usual, placing your desired fillings in the center of the tortilla. Avoid overfilling to ensure an easier seal.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheese along the edge of the tortilla where you plan to complete the final fold. Cheese varieties like cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack work well due to their excellent melting properties.
- Heat a Skillet: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Ensure the skillet is adequately heated to melt the cheese quickly without burning the wrap.
- Place the Wrap in the Skillet: Carefully place the wrap seam-side down in the skillet. The heat will melt the cheese, acting as a glue to seal the wrap.
- Press and Hold: Use a spatula to press down gently on the wrap for a few seconds. This helps the cheese bond with the tortilla and the filling.
- Flip and Crisp: Once the cheese has melted and the seam is sealed, flip the wrap and lightly toast the other side until it’s golden brown and crispy.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the wrap to cool for a minute before serving. This helps the cheese set, ensuring the wrap stays sealed.
For an even more flavorful experience, try using flavored cheeses or a mix of different cheese types, experimenting with various combinations to find your perfect wrap seal.
The Sauce Seal
Adding a bit of sauce can act as a natural adhesive, helping to keep your wrap sealed and secure.
- Spread Sparingly: Spread a thin layer of your favorite sauce or dressing towards the end of the tortilla wrap before you complete the final fold or roll. Avoid using too much to prevent the wrap from becoming soggy.
- Even Distribution: Ensure the sauce is evenly distributed to provide a consistent seal along the edge of the wrap.
- Press Firmly: After adding the sauce, press down gently on the edge of the wrap to ensure it sticks and holds its shape.
Choose thicker sauces like hummus or cream cheese spreads for a stronger seal. These sauces are less likely to make the wrap soggy and provide a firmer hold compared to thinner dressings.
The Heat Seal
Using heat to seal your wrap can provide a crispier exterior and a more secure closure. This method is ideal if you prefer your wrap with a bit of crunch.
- Grill or Panini Press: After wrapping, place your wrap on a grill or panini press. The heat will help create a natural seal and enhance the texture.
- Dry Skillet: You can also use a dry skillet. Place the wrap seam-side down on the skillet and cook on low heat for a minute or two until the seam is sealed.
Stick to medium or low heat to prevent burning and ensure an even, crispy texture. Mastering the heat-sealing method will allow you to enjoy perfectly sealed, crispy, and delicious wraps every time.
Wrapping Up
That’s a wrap! We hope that these tips have convinced you to give wraps another try.
When done correctly, a wrap should never fall apart and become a mess. It’s easy to do once you’ve practiced a little, and it’s a convenient way to enjoy a healthier alternative to some sandwiches.
If you want to try out our wraps and see for yourself how these tips work, we encourage you to check out our store locator, or place an order on Amazon.
TOUFAYAN BAKERIES
The Toufayan family is proud to make the finest tasting and healthiest breads for your family. We’re always glad to hear from you, so if you have a moment, drop us a line at info@toufayan.com or leave a comment below.
Great tips on wrapping wraps! I’ve struggled with them falling apart, so the suggestions on using a larger tortilla and melted cheese as a seal are especially helpful. Looking forward to trying these out!
Thank you very much for this info. It’s 06h00 in Cape Town South Africa and I was struggling to do a wrap for my daughter’s lunch. I now know it was too cold from the fridge! Tomorrow’s wrap will be better thanks to you. <3
do any of your products have additives , phosphates particularly ?
Hello and thank you for your question. Our bakers are always looking for the most wholesome ingredients and working on the most flavorsome recipes to bring you and your family the best possible breads we can make. Some of our recipes call for dough conditioners or leavening agents, which may contain phosphates.
Many of our products contain calcium propionate and/or potassium sorbate (preservatives). To bake our Gluten Free Wraps and Tandoori Flatbread we use baking powder which may contain sodium acid pyrophosphate and/or monocalcium phosphate. Various products, such as Flatbread, Lavash, Naan, Tortillas, Wraps and Smart Pockets use leavening agents, which typically include sodium bicarbonate, monocalcium phosphate, potassium bicarbonate and/or sodium acid pyrophosphate. Smart Pockets, Lavash, Naan and Wraps include dough conditioners in their recipes. Dough conditioners sometimes include calcium acid pyrophosphate, diglycerides and/or fumaric acid.
All of our varieties of Breadsticks, Bagels, Mini Bagels, Pita, Pitettes and Mini Pitettes as well as Organic Sprouted Whole Wheat Wraps use no leavening agents or dough conditioners (except Low Carb Pita, which has a dough conditioner).
Please see the nutritional information for each product, which you can find from our product catalogue. We strive to maintain the latest nutritional information on this website, but you should always refer to the actual package for the most accurate information.
What is best wrapped used to take a Wrap for Lunch?
Thank you
Thanks for your question, PJ. And what a great question. The best wrap for lunch? Personally, I love a nice roast beef and cheddar with lettuce and tomato on a Sundried Tomato Wrap. My spouse prefers tunafish salad on a Classic Plain Wrap. Or, scrambled eggs with melted cheese and a dash of hot sauce on a Multi-Grain Gluten Free wrap is a fantastic option for any time of the day! (That’s right, the Gluten Free Wraps are so good you can enjoy them even if you’re not on a Gluten Free diet!)
Whichever you select, you can’t go wrong! Please let us know what is your favorite wrap.
Thank you Toufayan Family.
thanks for the Toufayan story…..