Milk Frothing Tips, For Improving The Quality Of Your Coffee

Ever wonder why some cappuccinos and lattes taste better than others? even if they are made from the exact same ingredients! Chances are the taste variation is in the froth or foam that sits on top. A good froth has a smooth texture because it’s created with the smallest of bubbles, referred to as micro foam. These little bubbles are so small you have to look close to see them. If you see a collection of large bubbles on your morning drink, this leaves the froth dry, flat and tasteless.

There is not much you can do about the froth, when you’re purchasing from a cafe. You could suggest that someone teach the person making the coffee how to create great froth. You can create steamed milk with smooth froth at home, with very little effort.

A great latte (coffee, steamed milk and a little froth) or cappuccino (coffee, little milk and lots of froth). Both of these drinks start with having the proper milk temperature. 150-160 degrees Fahrenheit (65 -70 C). It’s important that you use a thermometer to get it right. When using an espresso machine, you will want to turn the steam off at approximately 10 degrees before reaching the desired temperature. Since the thermometer doesn’t adjust instantly, it will continue to rise for a few seconds after turning off the steam.

If you’re considering purchasing an espresso machine for your home be sure to do your research. Select a machine based on what type of coffee you want to make and drink. Read user reviews on several models before you make your purchase. Most machines will produce a decent coffee and can steam milk well enough. A good espresso machine will be able to create great froth with its built-in steam wand. Some of the more expensive machines will allow you to make espresso and froth milk at the same time.

While a good machine will go a long way towards creating a great drink, there is a little more to it than heating the milk. Rather than just sticking the steam wand into the milk, you want to keep the froth hole at the surface of the milk. If you look closely at your steam wand, you should see a small hole on one side. This is what we’re calling the froth hole. Keeping this hole at the surface of the milk will allow milk to be drawn in, creating a denser, smoother froth. Furthermore, you may want to hold the pitcher at a slight angle, so the steam wand is resting at the side of the pitcher. Keep the tip of the steam wand just of center in the jug. This allows the milk to swirl around the pitcher helping to create great froth.

Many baristas think that during steaming the froth should always be at the top of the milk. This isn’t true. During this step, you want the froth and milk to intermingle in a swirling motion. As the milk expands into froth, you will need to lower the level of your pitcher, so the tip of the steam wand stays near the top of the milk. The more you work the milk, the more froth you will create. When the milk is poured into the cup, you want to see the froth sitting on top.

Quick tips on how to make a great froth, here are the steps.

1. Start with cold milk and a clean, cold milk pitcher.
2. Only use as much milk as you need, never re-steam milk.
3. Use a thermometer to achieve the right temperature (150-160 degrees Fahrenheit).
4. Keep the froth hole/tip of the steam wand at the surface of the milk.
5. Work the milk in a swirling motion until you get the amount of froth you are seeking. As a general rule you want the milk volume to expand by 1/3 for lattes and 1/2 for cappuccinos.
6. Pour the desired amount of milk into your cup, then spoon on the froth if desired.

Here are a few more tips to help get a great froth.

Start with cold milk. You can froth almost any type of milk, including soy, rice and almond. The fat content in milk, directly impacts the results. Non-fat milk foams the best, whole milk or half and half is a bit harder to master good foam, it is generally smoother. There is still nothing quite like a cappuccino or latte made with whole milk.

When you turn off the steam wand and before you pour, tap the pitcher on the bench-top (gently) several times. Give it a couple of quick spins/swirls and then let it rest for a few seconds. This will help pop some of the larger bubbles and create a smoother texture.

If you don’t own an espresso machine you can froth by hand. Start by warming the milk on the stove or in the microwave to reach the desired temperature. Pour the warmed milk into a coffee cup. Insert a small hand whisk into the cup. Place your hands on either side of the whisk handle. Quickly spin the handle back and forth between your hands until you have the desired amount of froth. You can also purchase stand-alone frothing machines or battery-operated milk frothers if you prefer.

Getting the proper froth will take some practice so don’t get discouraged. Even if you are enjoying each cup without perfect froth, you have plenty of time to get it right. The taste will be that little bit sweeter because you have made it yourself.

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