The secrets of what a barista needs

The secrets of what a barista needs

Being a barista is a profession that requires professional skills and experience. In addition to being proficient in making a variety of coffee drinks, they also need other skills to provide high-quality service and build good relationships with customers. This article will take a deep dive into the various skills required of a barista.

1. Coffee Knowledge

First of all, a good barista should have a deep understanding of different types and origins of coffee beans. They need to know the characteristics and taste of each bean, as well as the suitable roasting degree and brewing method. In addition, they should also understand the impact of different types and proportions of milk when making drinks such as lattes.

Secondly, for special drinks such as Indian-style milk tea or Italian slow brew, baristas should also have the corresponding knowledge and be able to adjust them according to customer preferences.

2. Utensil Usage

A good barista must be proficient in the use of various coffee equipment. This includes coffee machines, grinders, milk frothers, etc. They need to understand the function and operation process of each equipment and be able to adjust and maintain it as needed.

In addition, baristas should also understand the impact of different types of filter cups and filter papers on the taste of coffee during the brewing process, and be able to choose the right combination based on the customer's taste.

3. Taste and smell

As a professional barista, a keen sense of taste and smell is an essential skill. They need to taste different types and proportions of coffee to judge its acidity, bitterness, sweetness, aroma and other characteristics, and accurately describe them to customers.

Additionally, they should be able to identify off-flavors caused by wet or moldy beans and screen them when purchasing.

4. Quick response and stress management

In a high-intensity work environment, a good barista must have quick response and good stress management skills. They need to handle multiple orders at the same time and ensure that each cup of coffee is of high quality.

Additionally, they need to communicate well with customers and remain calm and friendly during busy periods. This will increase customer satisfaction and build long-term relationships.

5. Teamwork

Baristas are usually part of a team and need to work closely with other members to ensure the entire coffee shop runs smoothly. They should be able to coordinate work effectively with other staff and provide help and support when needed.

In addition, teamwork also includes good communication with suppliers and customers. Baristas should be able to accurately convey order requirements and solve problems in a timely manner.

6. Learning spirit

Finally, a good barista should have a spirit of continuous learning and improvement. As new drinks and technologies are constantly emerging on the market, they need to keep up with the trends and constantly update their knowledge and skills.

In addition to attending training courses, they can also expand their horizons by reading professional books, attending industry exhibitions and communicating with other baristas.

in conclusion

In summary, becoming an excellent barista requires a variety of skills. In addition to having a deep understanding of coffee knowledge, equipment usage, and taste and smell, they also need to have the ability to respond quickly, manage stress, work in a team, and have a spirit of learning. Only by constantly improving yourself and applying these skills in practice can you become an excellent barista.