Fresh Masa for homemade tortillas?

Question

Hello -Just back from Mexico and I'm craving homemade tortillas. I bought a tortilla press, comal, etc. but haven't been able to find fresh masa (the dried masa harina isn't the same.) Does anyone know where I can find high quality fresh masa to make homemade tortillas in the Bay Area? I live in the Peninsula but work in the city and am willing to drive. What about somewhere in Redwood City?

Thanks!

Answer

La Palma on 24th St. @ Florida sells it by the pound. Cheap and perfect. Often still warm. Fina or quebrada, preparada (for tamales) or simple (for tortillas).

Answer

I buy fresh organic corn masa at the Berkeley Farmers Market. I think it is Primavera, so maybe the Saturday Ferry Plaza market has it too?

Answer

Second to la Palma, but you still might want to work it a litle bit...

Answer

La Tapatia on Grand Ave. in South San Francisco

Answer

I'm not 100% sure they would have it, but Fiesta Latina in San Mateo has always made sure I can get "masa preparada" (the one with lard in it so that we can make tamales) for the holidays. I gotta believe they can get some regular fresh masa (no lard) for you if your order it. 

Fiesta Latina Market 
1424 Cary Ave
San Mateo, CA 94401

(650) 343-0193

Answer

La Estrellita Restaurant (and tortillaria) on Middlefield Road in Redwood City has very good masa. They have an operation that adjoins the restaurant that is a tortilla factory. I typcially buy the preparada for tamales and it is smooth and silky once steamed. It is between Woodside Road and Sigona's Mkt, across Middlefield from Costco.

2205 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, CA 94063 (650) 369-3877

Answer

Wherever you go, ask them point blank if it's made from masa harina. I've been hearing a lot of stories about reputable tortillerias using Maseca. Then report back!

Answer

If you're in the City, visit Pancho's on Geary @ Stanyan or Polk @ Clay. They make their tortillas from fresh masa. They are delish!

Answer

Thank you for all of the great suggestions. I visited La Estrellita Tortillaria and purchased some of their fresh masa. I would have checked out the restaurant as well but it closes early during the week -next time. The masa is made from white corn and is, in fact, fresh; not reconstituted from masa harina. I haven't had a chance to visit any of the city recommendations but I'll post as soon as I do. Thanks again!

Answer

Try Mi Pueblo market in Mountain View. It's on Rengstorff at Alma (right by the train tracks). They aren't grinding it there, but I remember that the fresh masa in their cold case (towards the back right) comes from a local producer. I bought an enormous bag from them for about $7 and it made great tortillas. They also have the coarser ground masa for tamales.

Aside from the masa, it is a great market, with a wide selection for its small size. I enjoy their tacos and huge burritos from the parking lot counter as well! Their al pastor is quite different from any other I have tried, with lots of strong spices including cinnamon.

Answer

Bumping this. Any new places?

La Espiga De Oro on 24th in the Mission sells fresh masa from their own nixtamal for $1/lb. Very easy to work with. Has anyone compared their quality to La Palma or Primavera (El Molino Central)? 

Also, do any of the listed places cut their fresh masa with wheat flour or is it 100% corn stuff?

Answer

Cruising through Hayward a few months ago, I passed by La Mexicana and decided to stop to check it out. This appears to be the fresh masa motherlode and the place to buy tortillas made with just stoneground corn, water and lime. The shelves also feature freshly rendered lard.

It was Taco Tuesday here and I tried a couple to get a sense of the tortillas. The corn tortillas were nice, but the taco meats and salsa were subpar. Stick to the masa stuff only.

La Mexicana
236 A St
Hayward, CA 94541
(510) 889-8225

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Fresh Masa for homemade tortillas?

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