Espresso Odyssey
Pankaj Singh
| 16-01-2024
· Food Team
For newcomers to the world of espresso, the array of coffee terms like Espresso, Ristretto, Lungo, Latte, and Flat White might initially seem bewildering.
However, all these fall under the broader category of espresso, each offering a unique twist on this beloved coffee preparation.
Aussie White, a term less familiar to many, can be understood as a localized variation of a latte specific to the Australian region. Originating in Australia and New Zealand, Aussie White emerged organically to cater to the preferences of Oceania's coffee enthusiasts.
It comprises espresso, milk, and a delicate layer of milk foam. Notably, Aussie White is distinct from the conventional latte, featuring a smaller cup size, less milk, and a bolder coffee flavor, accentuating the aromatic qualities of the coffee. It is essential to highlight that Aussie White Coffee is exclusively served hot.
Typically, an Aussie White contains around 35 ml of coffee and approximately 150 ml of milk, resulting in a caloric content of 420 kJ per cup. For individuals focusing on weight management, it's worth noting that Aussie White Coffee, with its relatively higher calorie content, may not be the most suitable choice.
However, for those incorporating exercise into their weight loss regimen, the caffeine content in Aussie White Coffee can contribute to metabolism-boosting, while the milk provides high-quality fats and proteins beneficial to the body.
Diverging from the cappuccino's composition of 1/3 Espresso, 1/3 hot milk, and 1/3 milk foam, often garnished with chocolate powder or cinnamon, Aussie White stands out with its smoother, consistent surface. The milk froth on top is delicately highlighted, offering a more refined appearance.
The temperature of a Flat White is also gentler, making it conducive to swift consumption. Originating in the 1970s in Australia, the Flat White gained popularity in the 1980s in Australia and New Zealand before making its way into European and American markets in recent years.
Both latte and Flat White lack a fixed ratio, with variations across different establishments. While latte traces its origins back to Italy, Aussie White also derives from espresso, originating in Australia. However, even within Australia, various methods exist for crafting an Aussie White.
In the more orthodox approach, a cup size of approximately 180 is used, accompanied by a double ristretto (the initial half of espresso). Notably, one espresso is 30 ml, while a ristretto is 15 ml, using the same amount of ground coffee. The remaining milk froth is carefully prepared with ultra-thin consistency, measuring between 1 and 3 millimeters after a minute of settling.
In the contemporary cafe scene, the traditional method involving two espressos is less commonly employed, with most establishments opting for a single espresso. The overall standard, however, remains consistent. In contrast, lattes typically feature a larger cup size ranging from 220 to 240, with a milk froth thickness of about 1 cm after resting for a minute.
Consequently, when compared to a latte, Aussie White boasts a higher concentration, a smaller cup size, and a thinner layer of milk foam, offering a distinctive coffee experience for enthusiasts seeking variety in their espresso choices.