Blog

The rise and rise of the Flat White Coffee…

What is a Flat White Coffee?

With the growth of espresso coffee culture around the world various regions have developed their own take on milky specialities like Cappuccino. In the UK we have taken an American influence on Italian recipes and serve latte (a glass of milk in Italy), whilst in the Antipodes the Flat White has developed.

Some would say that a Flat White is very similar to a latte, but this is misleading – whilst there are differences in the proportion of coffee to milk in Cappuccinos and lattes, the key difference in the Flat White is the milk texture.

As coffee distributors we are well aware of the importance of the dairy element – in fact the dairy industry probably benefits more per cup of milky coffee sold than the coffee distributor – not to mention the myriad people involved in getting the espresso from farm to cup.

Espresso is a constant ingredient for all milky coffee drinks – single or double shots are available in latte and flat white – don’t worry about the purists who proclaim that a single shot flat white really isn’t a Flat White, there are many cafes in the heartland of the Flat White that offer this, so like everything in coffee it is subjective and down to personal choice.

Some Baristas will make the espresso into a ristretto for a flat white – the reduced amount of water through the same amount of coffee increases the ‘power’ in the shot – again this is a personal choice. The more important consideration is the freshness of the shot as the crema should be freshly poured to maintain its flavour and mix well with milk…

Don’t be fooled, size doesn’t matter - Flat whites in the UK tend to be served in a smaller cup, but the size of the cup doesn’t explain the difference – you could put a latte in a smaller cup, but it still wouldn’t be a flat white!
When your customer drinks any milky speciality the key to their experience is in getting the milk texture right…

For a Cappuccino, the milk should consist of stiff froth on top of heated milk – if spooned, the stiff froth will push the coffee crema to the outside lip of the cup and your customers’ first taste will be of coffee and milk, not just milk. The acid test for stiff froth is to pick it up with a spoon and turn it upside down – it should stay on the spoon.

Stiff foam is achieved by stretching the milk - place the nozzle of the steam arm just below the surface of the milk in the frothing jug (never filled more than half full), be careful not to blow air on to the milk but into it – as it stretches you will lose the sound you hear in cafes the world over, simply pull your frothing jug down the steam arm to rediscover the sound – at first it will stretch slowly and then latterly more quickly – remember, your milk should be fresh to maximise the protein content – when you have achieved the volume you need to plunge your steam wand to the bottom of the jug to heat it to the desired temperature.

Be careful not to burn the milk – as with placing milk on a stove to boil this will certainly give you bubbles and froth when it overheats – but it will taste burnt and mask any coffee flavour from your espresso.

For a Latte, the milk is heated with a thin layer of foam – the steam wand is placed at the bottom of the frothing jug to heat the milk and then a small amount of foam added as if you were trying to stretch it at the end of the heating time - the thinner texture of the milk feels more like a coffee infused milky drink in the mouth than a coffee per se. If you really want to taste the coffee, request a double shot.

For a Flat White, the milk needs to be silky smooth with very small bubbles or ‘micro foam’ – a small amount of foam is added at the beginning and then this is swirled with the rest of the milk by placing the steam nozzle in the middle of the milk to create very small bubbles and less separation between foamed and steamed milk - before pouring, the milk needs to be swirled to fold the foam back into the liquid – the milk will then pour as a mixture of foam and milk in one pour – the speed of the pour will combine the coffee crema with the silky milk – this drink should have a really full mouthfeel and will go down easy…

Silky milk is the basis for latte art too, so there is a crossover, hence the development of the Flat White in the first place – think of it like the flour tortilla – fold it one way and it’s an enchilada, fold it another way and it’s a burrito - the same is true of the proportions of coffee and milk, the ingredients are the same but just used in a different way!!

Interestingly, top-end Baristas tend to make their milky drinks all the same - they are so adept at producing ‘micro foam’ that they fail to differentiate for the cappuccino! Less adept Baristas will also make all of their drinks the same way, but will often fail to notice…

Either way, be prepared to use a lot of milk to get the right consistency in your milk – only when you have mastered the silky ’micro foam’ required should you actually offer a Flat White – many places now have the Flat White on their menus, but this just adds to the confusion as not all outlets advertising it can actually make it - a simple test is to see if they manually steam their milk – if they do, you’ve got a fighting chance of getting what you ask for! Good luck…

Note: this is an ongoing debate and I am sure there will be opinions that differ from mine – please get in touch, I will be glad to hear from you…

 

5927 comments

  • CatsnamesMymn

    29/01/2017 08.10

    I bought the cat didn't know what to call him. Found here full list female rogue names http://allcatsnames.com/warrior-cat-rogue-names of names for cats.

  • Jasonvaw

    10/02/2017 22.24

    check out this [url=http://onlinecasino-xx.com]casino online[/url] where you can win legal money with the usurp of this guidebookPlaying [url=http://onlinecasinos-x.com/online-roulette.html]play free roulette[/url]

  • remontoknast

    21/02/2017 04.10

    ????????, ?????????, ?????????? ??????????? ????????????? (????????, ????????) ??????? ??????? – ??? ??????? ?????????? ???????, ????? ?? ???????? ??????????? ?? ????????? ???? ?????????????????? ????? ? ??????. ? ?? ??????? ?????????? ?????????????? (???????????), ? ??? ????? ?????????, ? ???????, ?????????????? ???????.
    ??? ??? ? ?????????? ?????? ??????????? ???????????? ???????????? : ????? ? ????? ?? ???????? ?????, ?? ????????????? ???? ??? ??????????? ??? – ?????????? ????? ???? ????????? ??? ??????? ??????? ????????????. (? ????????? ?????? ????? ???? ? ??? ??? ??? ? 10000 ??. – ?? ????????? ? ??????? 957 ???. ?????? ?????? ????????? ????????? 9557 ???.) ? ??? ???????? ?????????????????????? ?????, ????? ?????????? ??????? ?????? ????? ??????????? ? ???????? ???? ?????? ???????????? ??????? ??????????? [url=http://remontokna.com.ua]?????? ??????????? ???? ????[/url] ? ???, ? ??????????????.



    ?????? <a href="http://remontokna.com.ua">???? ????</a> ????? ?????? ???? ? ???!<br />

  • Thomadura

    01/03/2017 14.15

    Cialis Erfahrungen Forum [url=http://xenical.inpills.com/buy-cheap-xenical-on-line.php]Buy Cheap Xenical On Line[/url] Priligy Dapoxetina 30 Mg Cytotec 200mg [url=http://clomid.rxbill7.com/order-generic-clomid.php]Order Generic Clomid[/url] Prix Cialis En Pharmacie Belgique Levitra Generico In Farmacia Acquisto [url=http://med84.com]viagra[/url] Viagra Generico Envio 24 Horas Buy Levitra Generic Online [url=http://zoloft.inpills.com/buy-sertraline-online.php]Buy Sertraline Online[/url] Wirkung Von Viagra Bei Gesunden Kamagra Aus Deutschland [url=http://levitra.inpills.com/levitra-on-line.php]Levitra On Line[/url] Levitra 20 Mg Effetti Collaterali Fausse Couche Sous Cytotec [url=http://ysluk.com]cialis price[/url] best buy isotretinoin without a script North Dakota Cephalexin Sulfameth Trimethoprim Seborrheic Dermatitis [url=http://accutane.ccrpdc.com/accutane-60mg.php]Accutane 60mg[/url] Precio Cialis 10 Mg Lilly Cialis E Birra [url=http://crdrugs.com]cialis[/url] Viagra Vente Ligne Levitra 10 Mg Caratteristiche [url=http://levitra.usamedz.com/levitra-best-prices.php]Levitra Best Prices[/url] Viagra Kaufen Express Rate A Drug [url=http://propecia.rxbill7.com/buy-propecia.php]Buy Propecia[/url] Viagra Richtig Verwenden Amoxicillin For Dogs Side Effects [url=http://levitra.rx-cs17.com/best-levitra.php]Best Levitra[/url] Viagra Pills Wiki Order Cialis Online Cheap [url=http://zithromax.rxbill7.com/zithromax-z-pack.php]Zithromax Z Pack[/url] Viagra Online Store Is Flagyl Over The Counter [url=http://propecia.usamedz.com/online-propecia.php]Online Propecia[/url] Cialis Doctissimo Forum Antidepressant Drug Philippines [url=http://zoloft.mdsmeds.com/zoloft-pills.php]Zoloft Pills[/url] Buy Silagra 100 Mg What Is Amoxicillin Prescribed For [url=http://eulexin.net]buy viagra[/url] Discount Real Acticin In Germany Drugs Pharmacy With Free Shipping Propecia Fiabilidad [url=http://inderal.inpills.com/propranolol-buy.php]Propranolol Buy[/url] Buy Generic Viagra Cephalexin For Dogs Non Perscription [url=http://kamagra.ccrpdc.com/buy-kamagra-oral-jelly-online.php]Buy Kamagra Oral Jelly Online[/url] Acheter Du Cialis En Pharmacie Curetage Ou Cytotec [url=http://nolvadex.ccrpdc.com/how-much-is-nolvadex.php]How Much Is Nolvadex[/url] Buy Nitroglycerin Pills Canadian Pharmacy Generic Viagra [url=http://xenical.rx-cs17.com/orlistat-generic.php]Orlistat Generic[/url] Zithromax Time To Work Viagra Verpackung [url=http://cytotec.rxdealz.com/cytotec-misoprostol.php]Cytotec Misoprostol[/url] Marca Propecia Finasteride Cod Generic Finasteride [url=http://inderal.inpills.com/inderal-buy-online.php]Inderal Buy Online[/url] Viagra A Change Ma Vie Discount Tab Levaquin Worldwide Low Price [url=http://amoxil.rxbill7.com/generic-amoxil-cheap.php]Generic Amoxil Cheap[/url] Viagra Prezzo Basso Propecia Coupon Dosage [url=http://clanar.com]viagra online[/url] Aleve D And Xanax Cialis 40 Mg Online [url=http://cialis.usamedz.com/cheap-cialis-40mg.php]Cheap Cialis 40mg[/url] I Need To Order Some Viagra

  • mamaeka

    05/03/2017 19.17

    Yoga Prenatal merupakan salah satu Yoga yang dikhususkan bagi wanita hamil. Seperti halnya yoga biasa, Yoga Prenatal ini juga memiliki beberapa manfaat penting. Dan tentunya manfaat itu sangat baik untuk kesehatan ibu maupun janin yang dikandungnya.?  Adapun manfaat melakukan Yoga Prenatal bagi wanita yang tengah hamil, sebagai berikut:1. Memperlancar Proses Melahirkan <a href="http://mamaeka.com/manfaat-penting-melakukan-yoga-prenatal-bagi-wanita-hamil/">Manfaat Penting Melakukan Yoga Prenatal Bagi Wanita Hamil </a>

  • Jasonvaw

    08/03/2017 07.12

    block out this [url=http://onlinecasino-xx.com]online casinos[/url] where you can conquer genuine notes with the serve of this guidePlaying [url=http://onlinecasinos-x.com/online-baccarat.html]baccarat[/url] , buy [url=http://www.sextoysfun.net]sex toys[/url]

  • BrosMt

    10/03/2017 03.52

    Tim McGraw is an acclaimed nation vocalist, so don't miss the likelihood to visit [url=http://timmcgrawtourtickets.com/]Tim McGraw concerts[/url]

  • JennMt

    19/03/2017 04.36

    Zac Brown Band is a famous country singer, so don't miss the possibility to visit [url=http://zacbrownbandtourconcerts.com/]Zac Brown Band tour charlotte nc[/url]

  • KennShieda

    22/03/2017 16.20

    How To Buy Letrozole [url=http://amoxil.mdsmeds.com/cheap-amoxil-500mg.php]Cheap Amoxil 500mg[/url] Vente De Cialis France Viagra Adolescent [url=http://nolvadex.rxbill7.com/nolvadex-dosages.php]Nolvadex Dosages[/url] Kamagra Jelly Online Il Cialis E Curativo [url=http://amoxil.mdsmeds.com/order-amoxil-tablets.php]Order Amoxil Tablets[/url] Kamagra Shop 24 Zithromax Effects On Birth Control [url=http://accutane.ccrpdc.com/buy-accutane-online.php]Buy Accutane Online[/url] Pristiq Viagra Samples [url=http://propecia.ccrpdc.com/propecia-buy.php]Propecia Buy[/url] Kamagra Edinburgh Order Generic Viagra Usa [url=http://prozac.rxbill7.com/generic-prozac.php]Generic Prozac[/url] Acheter Misoprostol Quebec Vente Legale De Kamagra [url=http://clomid.mdsmeds.com/generic-clomid.php]Generic Clomid[/url] Bayer Brand Name Levitra Pharmatie Canadienne Viagra Generique [url=http://propecia.ccrpdc.com/propecia-generic-name.php]Propecia Generic Name[/url] Synthroid 125 Mcg No Rx Propecia O Regaxidil [url=http://lasix.rxbill7.com/comprare-lasix.php]Comprare Lasix[/url] Cialis Professional Online

  • Thomadura

    27/03/2017 07.22

    On Sale Secure Doryx [url=http://amoxil.rxbill7.com/buy-amoxil-online.php]Buy Amoxil Online[/url] Kosten Viagra Krankenkasse Acheter Viagra Suisse [url=http://strattera.ccrpdc.com/order-strattera.php]Order Strattera[/url] Super Avana Review Concorsi Levitra [url=http://cialis.usamedz.com/buy-cialis.php]Buy Cialis[/url] Cialis Free Sample Phone Buy Propecia Information [url=http://levitra.usamedz.com/levitra-brand-name.php]Levitra Brand Name[/url] Refrigeration Of Amoxicillin Xenical Orlistat Buy Online [url=http://zoloft.rxbill7.com/buy-zoloft-on-line.php]Buy Zoloft On Line[/url] Purchase Finasteride Without Rx Cialis Generico 5mg [url=http://clomid.mdsmeds.com/clomid-clomiphene.php]Clomid Clomiphene[/url] Amoxicillin That Is Out Of Date Viagra 85 Ans [url=http://propecia.ccrpdc.com/propecia-tablets-uk.php]Propecia Tablets Uk[/url] Cialis One Day Erezione Sildenafil Soft Tablets [url=http://viagra.ccrpdc.com/buy-viagra-online-usa.php]Buy Viagra Online Usa[/url] Can I Use Old Amoxicillin Liquid How Much Is Zithromax [url=http://zoloft.mdsmeds.com/zoloft-pills.php]Zoloft Pills[/url] Compro Viagra Senza Ricetta Viagra Ai Ragazzi [url=http://accutane.ccrpdc.com/accutane-buy-online.php]Accutane Buy Online[/url] Amoxicillin Swelling Buy Furosemide Tablets [url=http://cytotec.ccrpdc.com/shop-cytotec-online.php]Shop Cytotec Online[/url] Levitra 10 Mg Vidal Cialisl [url=http://zoloft.usamedz.com/where-to-buy-zoloft.php]Where To Buy Zoloft[/url] Cialis Professional Free Ed Sample Pack [url=http://cytotec.rxbill7.com/buy-cytotec-canada.php]Buy Cytotec Canada[/url] Cheapviagrausa Generique Cialis Net [url=http://kamagra.mdsmeds.com/buy-cheap-kamagra.php]Buy Cheap Kamagra[/url] Orlistat Best Price Filitra 20 [url=http://propecia.usamedz.com/how-to-buy-propecia.php]How To Buy Propecia[/url] Cialis Achat Ligne Cialis Indicazioni [url=http://kamagra.usamedz.com/kamagra-online-fast.php]Kamagra Online Fast[/url] Levitra Effets Secondaires Fedex Amoxicilina In Internet [url=http://viagra.usamedz.com/viagra-price.php]Viagra Price[/url] Oxitard Buy Clozapine No Prescription [url=http://zithromax.usamedz.com/how-to-get-zithromax.php]How To Get Zithromax[/url] Trikatu Ophthacare [url=http://nolvadex.rxbill7.com/tamoxifen.php]Tamoxifen[/url] Buy Celebrex Usa Furosomide Online [url=http://lasix.ccrpdc.com/lasix-online-usa.php]Lasix Online Usa[/url] Viagra Professional 200 Canada Pharmacy Propecia Precio Parafarmacia [url=http://zoloft.mdsmeds.com/where-to-order-zoloft.php]Where To Order Zoloft[/url] Cephalexin Prgnancy Comprare Levitra In Rete [url=http://lasix.usamedz.com/lasix-pills.php]Lasix Pills[/url] Cialis Ritardante On Line Dutasteride Best Website Fort Worth [url=http://priligy.mdsmeds.com/priligy-usa-sale.php]Priligy Usa Sale[/url] Propecia Vente Libre Cephalexin Nuvaring [url=http://levitra.usamedz.com/levitra-trial.php]Levitra Trial[/url] Viagra Online Jelly Dog Reaction Amoxicillin [url=http://prozac.usamedz.com/prozac-free-trial.php]Prozac Free Trial[/url] Amoxil Penicilline Funciona El Viagra [url=http://strattera.rxbill7.com/generic-atomoxetine.php]Generic Atomoxetine[/url] Order Now Doryx Vibramycin Viagra Durar Mas [url=http://propecia.mdsmeds.com/propecia-prices.php]Propecia Prices[/url] Cephalexin Rimadyl Mix Viagra Online Shops [url=http://kamagra.usamedz.com/cheap-kamagra-uk.php]Cheap Kamagra Uk[/url] Any Danger In Using Expired Amoxicillin Cialis Ubers Internet [url=http://cure-rx.com]viagra cialis[/url] Secure Viagra Priligy Clinical Trials [url=http://doxycycline.ccrpdc.com/vibramycin-free-trial.php]Vibramycin Free Trial[/url] 200 Mg Viagra For Sale