History of Latte Art

Latte art has been around for quite some time now but how did it start? And what is the science behind it? In this article we'll talk about the history of this art form and also discuss the future. Here are some of the most fascinating facts about this fascinating art form. And remember the more you know the better prepared you'll be for your next trip to the coffee shop!

WHEN DID LATTE ART FIRST APPEAR?

Latte art is an innovative technique for preparing espresso drinks. The process involves pouring microfoam into the coffee shot and embellishing it with a design. The technique is difficult to perfect as different standards are involved including the quality of the espresso shot and the pouring skill of the barista. Latte art originated in Seattle and was first popularized by David Schomer in the 1980s when he created a heart pattern. This pattern was then perfected in 1989 and 1992 and Schomer became an international latte art sensation.

Latte art has many different forms. The most common is the free pouring method but there are also etching techniques used. In these methods a thin tool is used to pull foam and crema through the espresso. This method creates patterns and shapes while free pouring allows for more freedom. It is also possible to create latte art with nut or oat milk. However many people prefer free pouring.

David Schomer,  the barista who is credited with popularising the latte art, although the invention is not his, but more on latte history here. He is the founder of the Seattle based coffee shop Espresso Vivace where he developed the art of latte art and then tought other baristas to replicated it. Espresso Vivace is also credited with launching the gourmet coffee movement in the US.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND LATTE ART

Pouring latte art is one of the most complicated skills in a coffee shop, and requires perfectly steamed milk, special latte cups, and perfect espresso. 

The perfect latte is a complex creation that requires precision and patience to achieve. There are several steps to mastering latte art including preparation of milk and espresso warming each component to the proper temperature and blending the two. In order to perfect your latte you'll need to master all of these steps and learn how to prepare each component properly. Learn more about the science behind latte art from the experts at Perkins Espresso School.

Milk foam is an important component of latte art. This delicate mixture must stay stable and not sag or distort the design. To achieve a perfect foam milk proteins fat content and temperature are key. Different types of milk contain different amounts of protein and fat which help to stabilize the milk foam and envelop the air bubbles. Using the right combination of these three components creates the perfect milk foam for latte art.

While many coffee enthusiasts are aware of the art of latte making few people know that latte art is actually a combination of science and art. While merely pouring milk into coffee creates coffee with milk a barista's skill allows them to make intricate designs and patterns with the milk. Using steam baristas can give the milk texture, and then manipulate the pour of steamed milk to create a foamy layer and a beautiful finished product.

WHATS THE FUTURE FOR LATTE ART?

Latte art was first introduced over two hundred years ago in an essay by William Dean Howells. These days it is a popular way of adding flair to a cup of coffee. Modern techniques allow baristas to add elaborate designs to their drinks. Even 3D printing technology has been used to print designs directly onto the foamy coffee. As the popularity of latte art grows new innovations are being introduced in the field. 

Piyapat Lapteerawut who went by the alias Flook has won the Italian Latte Art Champion title. He recently spoke to us about his journey in the craft how training is important and the future of latte art in the U.S. Continuing his education Piyapat has won the Latte Art World Championship Open. His passion for the craft is clearly evident.

Latte art is a skill that combines brewing design and illustration. It is such a popular skill among restaurant workers that there are entire fields of study dedicated to it. The Italian Barista Association trains its employees in the art of making and pouring espresso drinks. The art of latte art can take hours of training and the texture of the steamed milk and microfoam is reminiscent of wet paint.

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