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Cappuccino: everything you need to know

This Italian classic can no longer be imagined away from many menus in New Zealand. But what exactly is a cappuccino? Where does the cappuccino come from? And what is the difference compared to, for example, a flat white or a latte macchiato?

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What is a cappuccino?

What is a cappuccino?A cappuccino is an Italian coffee recipe, but it is certainly no longer consumed only in Italy. All over the world, the cappuccino is a popular drink. A cappuccino consists of one part espresso, one part steamed milk, and one part milk foam. These blend together, allowing the white color of the milk to combine beautifully with the color of the coffee.
Ten years ago, cappuccinos were still often served with cocoa powder on top. These days, this has been replaced by a firm, glossy layer of milk foam decorated with beautiful patterns (also known as latte art).
Where does cappuccino come from?The origin of the cappuccino is claimed by Vienna. The name “cappuccino” is derived from “Kapuziner Kaffee.” Still, the cappuccino is now known as an Italian coffee.

The importance of the right espresso and milk for the cappuccino

The perfect cappuccino depends entirely on using the right ingredients. This means the base should consist of a strong espresso and good-quality milk to create a firm layer of milk foam (also called microfoam).The quality of the milk is particularly important. Milk contains proteins, fats, and sugars. The proteins create the beautiful, thick, and creamy effect in steamed milk. For the perfect milk foam, fresh whole milk works best.Tip: always make sure your milk is cold when you start steaming it for a cappuccino.

Cappuccino vs. flat white

A flat white, just like a cappuccino, is a combination of espresso topped with warm milk and milk foam. The difference is that the flat white is served in a different ratio than a cappuccino. While a cappuccino consists of three equal layers—espresso, warm milk, and milk foam—a flat white contains a double shot of espresso (50–70 ml), 70 ml of steamed milk, and a thin layer of milk foam.

The best coffee for your cappuccino

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