Latte art isn't one uniform procedure that you can just follow. Artists need to be informed of multiple elements like pouring techniques, design types and of course, do�s and don�ts while venturing to the field. As widely discussed, etching and free pouring are the two major artistic techniques used for the creation of these designs. The second is usually observed more in American cafes more than anywhere else and is taken up be a time saving process even though the former requires skill and time which can be a deterrent for cafes which have multiple customers to focus on. - Coffee House in Las Vegas
The free pouring technique usually spawns designs just like the rosette or fern design and of course, the acclaimed heart shape. The second is easier to execute while the former represents a newer level of complexity. Flowery shapes are made when latte artists keep the pitcher moving sideways or back and forth while leveling and striking in to the heart of the pattern forces it in to the shape of a flower. Heart and apple shapes are created with pouring techniques that are more blatant in comparison and variations of the. Poured latte art stays longer when compared with etched designs which are executed with coffee stirrers.
There are some other dos and don�ts for latte artists that are covered below:
Only fresh and cold milk must be used by latte artists
Milk shouldn't undergo light or heat exposure before being steamed
Same milk portions for several designs are avoidable
Artists should use stainless-steel jugs with spouts that are narrow
A little more milk needs to be used than necessary to prevent unnecessary heating
Artists should consult thermometers that may be attached to jugs and should be readable easily
Steam wands need to be freed of possible condensation before usage
These wands are merely to be switched on after being inserted into the milk
Strong and thick crema layers are needed for the espresso
Always make use of cups with wider surfaces
Foaming must only be carried out till 40 degrees Celsius
There are a few popular designs which may have fascinated latte artists and customers alike and these are listed below:
The Rosette design has been covered earlier and takes plenty of practice to master
Heart designs will be in vogue since 1989 and are the most common ones you find at most cafes
The devil design having a tongue sticking out sometimes, is an iconic latte symbol
Ghost designs are very liked with a phantasmal effect created by the fading of froth round the edges
There are multiple other bird and animal themed designs including bears, bunnies, dinosaurs, giraffes and squirrels which can only be created by seasoned latte artists with considerable experience to their name. Latte art is a beautiful expression of creativity and it is steadily catching the attention of the global populace who want more than a mere coffee guzzling experience so visit your next coffee house and make use of the full latte art experience. - Coffee House in Las Vegas