Much more than design: the impact of latte art on Peruvian coffee consumption

In times of social media, where everything enters through the eyes, latte art, as the designs made with milk on espresso are called, adds additional appeal to coffee drinks.

A heart, a tulip, a rosette or a swan, to name a few figures that can be made, can make a difference and encourage you to photograph your cup of coffee and share it on your social networks. But the big question regarding latte art is whether, beyond the visual aspect, it contributes to the quality of the drink.

In this regard, Martín Cueva, barista and latte art certifier, claims to be convinced that, indeed, these designs influence the flavor of our favorite coffee drink since to make them you need a well-textured milk, that is, it is perfectly emulsified and has a creamy and homogeneous texture that allows you to ‘draw’ on the espresso.

Milk is textured when steam and air are added through the lancet on the side of the espresso machine. With the right technique, this action should result in a milk that retains the natural sweetness from lactose, a silky mouthfeel and an optimal temperature for the final drink that does not exceed 70°C. On the other hand, if milk is heated too much, it will burn and lose some of its texture and flavor.

A good espresso is also necessary, which, depending on the quality of the coffee and its variety, can present notes of bitter, nuts or caramel, which encourages many consumers to choose not to add sugar to the drink since in combination with milk those pleasant flavors are preserved and highlighted.

Latte art has the same effect on many coffee drinkers, Martin notes. “I have seen people who, having a good design on their cup, choose not to add sugar so as not to have to stir their drink and the design disappear, which allows them to discover that they can drink their coffee without sugar,” says Martín, who is member of Torneos Clandestinos, a group that promotes latte art competitions in the country to professionalize the field and show the talent and creativity of Peruvian baristas.

Tournament for baristas

According to Gabriela Araujo, coordinator of Sectoral Events of the Peruvian Chamber of Coffee and Cocoa, latte art competitions increase interest and appreciation for quality Peruvian coffee on the part of consumers, generating a positive impact on the coffee industry in terms of economic growth and professional development.

For this reason, this institution together with Torneos Clandestinos are organizing the Third edition of the National Latte Art Tournament that will be held through preliminary and decentralized events that will take place in Lima and cities in the center, north and south of the country to promote the participation of baristas from various regions.

The starting point of this tournament will be the preliminary event that will be held in Lima as part of the National Coffee and Cocoa Convention (May 24) and will culminate in the grand final that will take place at the Expo Café Perú 2024 (December 1 ). The prize for the winner is a two-group espresso machine valued at approximately $6,000, which will be provided by Saba Equipamientos, sponsor of the competition.

Registration to participate in the preliminary tournament in Lima is open. Interested baristas can register digitally through a form that you can find at this link.

For more information or to clarify doubts, the telephone number has been enabled: +51 976 075 904 and the regulations for participation in the tournament can be requested through e-mail: [email protected]