Milk frother

In the 1950s, espresso machines that were once native to Italy and their production of coffee were exported overseas to Mediterranean and British markets. There, the espresso based coffee drink "cappuccino" became more popular. Cappuccinos incorporated the use of frothed milk made through the steaming properties of espresso machines. Espresso machines contain a steam wand that heats milk and adds air to create the frothed milk that sits on top of cappuccinos. Cappuccinos became widely popular in Britain because of the exotic nature of milk froth and the technology used to make it. In the US, coffee drinking shifted from the use of brewed coffee, which was beginning to decline, to specialty coffees. In 1982, the Specialty Coffee Association of America promoted the increased use of espresso machines and Italian premium coffee. Artisan baristas began making elaborate drinks such as the caffè latte and cappuccinos that incorporated the use of the steaming wand to both steam and froth milk. == Process ==

Frothing milk involves a process that introduces air into the chemical properties of milk to create the light and airy product of frothed or foamed milk. Milk is made up of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The fats and proteins determine the thickness and the flavor of the foam. Milk that contains a heavier amount of fats and protein, such as whole milk, will produce a richer and thicker texture. Contrastingly, frothing skim milk, which has significantly less amounts of fats and protein, will produce a lighter and thinner foam. The protein properties in milk are what create the foamy texture in frothed milk. Casein molecules (a type of protein) form the molecular structure micelle, which get broken up when air from a milk frother is introduced. The casein molecules gravitate to the air bubbles trapping the air and creating foam. == Types ==

Manual A manual frother consists of a perforated mesh plunger in a cylinder, similar to a French press, which is moved up and down by hand. It takes 10–20 seconds to double the volume of milk. The cup may have a narrow spout for making foam art. They can also be used as French presses for making tea or coffee. Handheld electric A battery-powered milk frother wand is an electric mixer with a small, circular whisk. They operate with a press of a button and switch off automatically. Electric frothers are fast and provide high-quality foam, and may have large enough capacity to prepare multiple beverages. == References ==