What knowledge does a barista learn?

What a Barista Learns

As a barista, you need to master a variety of knowledge and skills to provide high-quality coffee products and services. The following are the main contents of barista learning:

1. Coffee bean types and origins

Understanding the different types and origins of coffee beans is essential to becoming a good barista. Coffee beans of different types and origins have unique flavor characteristics, and mastering this knowledge can help us better select, roast, and blend coffee.

2. Tasting and evaluation

Tasting and evaluation are essential skills for a professional barista. By tasting coffees of different types, concentrations, acidity and other characteristics, we can develop a keen and accurate sense of taste and learn to describe and evaluate each cup of fine coffee using professional terms.

3. Baking technology

Roasting is the art of transforming raw beans into a usable state. Understanding the effects of different degrees of roasting on the flavor of coffee and mastering the temperature, time and fire control techniques during the roasting process can make baristas more flexible in blending.

4. Caffeine Extraction

Coffee extraction is the process of bringing ground coffee into contact with water to extract the aroma, taste and components of coffee. Understanding different extraction methods (such as drip, espresso, etc.) and various parameters (such as water temperature, pressure and time) is crucial to optimizing extraction results.

5. Milk foam art

The art of milk foam is one of the essential skills for a professional barista. By choosing the appropriate milk fat content and operating the steam machine correctly, we can make rich, delicate and stable milk foam and use it to create fancy patterns.

6. Vertical tasting

In addition to single cup tasting, you also need to learn how to compare and evaluate multiple samples. By comparing and tasting multiple samples under different origins or processing methods, we can better understand the differences and characteristics of coffee.

7. Coffee Culture and History

Understanding the history, traditions and cultural background of coffee can help us better appreciate and pass on this delicious drink. Learning about the origin, development and unique drinking methods of coffee in different countries or regions can help improve your understanding of the coffee industry.

8. Customer Service

Being a good barista requires good customer service skills. Learning how to communicate effectively with customers, provide professional advice, and handle complaints can increase customer satisfaction and build a good reputation.

9. Health and Safety

Maintaining health and safety at work is very important. Learning how to properly use and clean equipment (such as grinders, infusers, etc.), following food safety regulations, and having first aid knowledge are all necessary.

In summary, to become an excellent barista, you need to master a wide range of knowledge and skills, including coffee bean types and origins, tasting and evaluation, roasting technology, coffee extraction, milk foam art, vertical tasting, etc. At the same time, it is also essential to understand coffee culture and history as well as customer service and health and safety.