Barista Essentials
The Milk
Mastering correct steaming is the key to creating consistent, perfect milk. Treat your milk right and your drinkers will thank you. The goal? Silky, textured milk that is smooth and pourable, rich and sweet.
Purge
Dip
Stretch
Heat
Remove
Wipe
Purge
The Milk
In a clean jug, add fresh milk. Fill the jug around halfway. This allows room to stretch the milk to the desired consistency.
Purge
Before & after using the steam wand, purge any left over residue. Blockages in the steam wand tips are indication of poor cleaning maintenance.
Submerge
Submerge half of the tip of the steam wand just under the surface of the milk. Now you are ready to activate the steam wand.
Stretching
Stretch the milk for the desired beverage. Check the milk stretching chart if you are unsure of how long to do this for.
NB. The milk should be making a sound similar to ripping paper. Any high pitched, screaming sounds indicate the wand is too deep in the milk.
Heat
When you are happy with your stretch, push the jug up the wand about 1cm to prevent any further stretching but to continue to heat the milk. Test the temperature by using the palm of your hand on the side of the milk jug. Once it's too hot for your hand to remain comfortably on the side, remove your hand, count to three, then turn off the steam wand.
NB. The required temperature is between 65-70°. Exceeding these temperatures will scold the milk, & create undesirable flavours. If you struggle to get the correct temperature, you can check your milk with a thermometer.
Finish
Always wipe & purge the steam wand from milk residue.
Then, swirl your jug in a circular motion to remove any air bubbles & blend the milk until smooth.