CHALLENGE

A Popular Use for Steam Still Today

When we think of steam, we usually imagine the old-fashioned steam engine from the 1800s. But there is another use for steam that is still common today. At coffee shops around the world, an important part of many popular coffee drinks is the frothy, creamy layer of milk on top. To achieve this texture, coffee shops typically use steam to froth milk to perfection. This simple yet effective technique involves creating microfoam from steamed milk.

The process begins with baristas choosing the type of milk to use, such as whole milk, skim milk, soy milk or other dairy alternatives, based on what the customer wants. The milk is poured into a steam pitcher, which is a metal container designed for use with an espresso machine's steam wand. The steam wand releases a controlled burst of steam, which is then directed into the milk.

As the steam enters the milk, it heats the liquid and creates tiny bubbles in the milk proteins. These bubbles, made up of steam and air, form a creamy and velvety microfoam. The barista controls the frothing process by positioning the steam wand at the right depth in the milk, adjusting the steam pressure, and monitoring the temperature to ensure the milk doesn't burn. Once the milk has been frothed, it's carefully poured into espresso, creating coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.

Froth on coffee drinks serve two purposes. The microfoam not only adds a visually pleasing layer to the coffee but also changes the flavor and "mouthfeel". This makes the coffee taste creamier and improves the overall coffee experience.

INSTRUCTIONS: Read the article and then answer the questions in the chart.

1. old-fashioned ➔ When?
2. dairy alternatives ➔ What?
3. around the world ➔ Where?
4. controls the frothing process ➔ How?
5. coffee drinks ➔ Such as?
6. purposes of froth ➔ Why?