In latte art, what does "free pouring" mean?

In latte art, "free pouring" refers to the technique of pouring steamed milk directly from a container, typically a frothing pitcher, into the espresso to create designs without the use of any external tools or stencils. This method relies on the skill and control of the barista to manipulate the flow of the milk and its foam while pouring.

The artistry comes from the ability to create various patterns and shapes such as hearts, rosettas, or tulips through careful manipulation of the pitcher’s angle and height above the cup. This technique emphasizes the importance of practice and mastery of milk steaming and pouring techniques, allowing baristas to develop their unique style while making aesthetically pleasing beverages.

Other methods, such as using stencils or whipping cream, involve additional tools or steps that do not fall under the definition of "free pouring." These different techniques serve different purposes in beverage presentation but do not achieve the same kind of artistry that comes from direct steam milk pouring.