Microfoam - Applications

Applications

The primary application of microfoam is in making latte art – patterns in espresso-based drinks – and is essential for this. Latte art is traditionally associated with lattes (large drinks – 8–12 oz or more), as the name suggests, but can also be used in shorter drinks. If cappuccino-sized (5–6 oz), this is sometimes known as a "wet" cappuccino, and latte art can also be made even in the small macchiato.

Microfoam may also be added to brewed coffee in a café au lait, and faint latte art can be produced. Microfoam may also be used in a steamer, though this can instead be made with dry foam.

By contrast, microfoam is not necessary for traditional "dry" cappuccinos, which instead have a layer of dry foam floating on top, nor is it necessary or generally used in latte macchiatos, which also typically have separate layers of dry foam and liquid milk.

As producing microfoam, and a fortiori latte art, requires a skilled barista, it is a sign of attention to quality, and a defining characteristic of Third Wave Coffee.