Why do we need to make milk foam when drinking coffee? How can we make milk foam?

I recently saw a question about making milk foam when drinking coffee. I think this question can be considered from two aspects.

First, milk foam will enhance the aesthetics of coffee. Milk foam can be made into various shapes, and girls in particular like this kind of milk foam latte art.

This is why we need to foam milk in coffee from the perspective of aesthetics.

Second, milk foam is mainly composed of milk, which will affect the taste of coffee. Some friends who are not used to American coffee and espresso can choose a cup of latte, mocha or cappuccino. Coffee with milk ingredients will have a smoother and denser taste and rich milk aroma. It is also a great coffee drinking experience.

Does coffee require frothing of milk?

The answer is definitely no. The key is to see what kind of mentality you have towards coffee. For many baristas or coffee lovers, drinking a cup of hand-brewed coffee is great, and they can experience the most original flavor of coffee, whether it is floral, fruity, herbal, nutty, chocolate, cherry, or wine... The flavor of coffee will change due to the production environment, processing method, and brewing. Coffee lovers will use their sensitive tongues to taste the flavor and experience the unique charm of coffee.

So will they reject latte and cappuccino? I don't think so. Coffee with other ingredients is also great. You can add vanilla, hazelnut, cherry or other ingredients to the coffee, and the mixed coffee flavor is still charming.

Which milk is easiest to froth?

In principle, milk can be foamed, no matter skim, low-fat or whole milk. However, skim milk takes a shorter time to foam than other milk, so sometimes people recommend skim milk. However, skim milk doesn't taste as good as whole milk. So you might as well choose heated whole milk to make milk foam, which can also achieve the effect you want.

How to use the steam nozzle to froth milk?

Generally, semi-automatic espresso machines have steam nozzles that can be used to make milk foam. This is also the most common way to make milk foam in coffee shops. First, we need to pour cold milk into a metal cup, then place the steam nozzle at the bottom of the container, open the steam valve, and keep it on for 5-8 seconds, and the milk can be heated. Then adjust the position of the steam nozzle so that it is on the surface of the milk. When the milk starts to foam, slowly move the container so that it is in the milk. It only takes a few seconds to make the milk foam.

In addition, whipped cream cannot replace milk for frothing. Once I used whipped cream to make milk froth, and it was too difficult. Cream is generally used to decorate coffee. Adding some whipped cream can reduce the flavor change caused by excessive stirring of coffee, and can also make the taste of coffee more rich and mellow.