THE BARISTA: CHAMPION OF THE SPECIALTY CAFE
In the world of specialty coffee, we know that numerous factors contribute to the final flavour in our cup – from the moment a coffee plant sprouts to the deft touch of the roaster’s hand. The journey between the origin of the coffee and its arrival at the cafe is long and detailed and every step is critical.
Yet, as we await our long black or latte, there remains one final gatekeeper of flavour: the Barista
The barista, the ultimate custodian of flavour, may often be overlooked in the broader narrative of coffee. Their role is to consolidate the journey of the bean and present it as a well-crafted coffee. However, do we fully recognize the passion, skill and dedication that they bring to their work? Their ability to influence whether a coffee is exceptional, average, or disappointing cannot be underestimated.
A skilled barista holds the power to transform a cafe experience. They can be the determining factor between a vibrant cafe, alive with regular patrons, and one that struggles to attract a consistent customer base. As the final link in a global chain of care and craftsmanship, their contribution is essential. At Zest, we recognize their critical role , which is why we commend these dedicated individuals for the care they put into every cup.
OUR MISSION IS CLEAR: TO ENABLE BARISTAS TO ELEVATE TheiR CRAFT FROM GOOD To GREAT
Baristas are central to the cafe experience, and through Zest’s comprehensive training, we aim to equip them with the skills necessary to deliver consistent quality.
To help baristas achieve this, here are seven essential principles that can elevate their craft and ensure consistently exceptional coffee:
1 / HAVE A ROUTINE
Consistency in coffee begins with routine. A great barista understands that excellence comes from following precise steps with every coffee preparation, avoiding shortcuts. This routine ensures the dependable flavour that customers expect.
2/ START CLEAN, WORK CLEAN
Cleanliness is fundamental. A clean workspace, grinder, group heads, and handles are all vital to maintaining pure coffee flavour. The smallest residue can impact quality, so baristas must adhere to strict cleaning protocols.
3/ KNOW THE RECIPE AND STICK TO IT
Every barista should be familiar with the espresso recipe for each coffee they serve. These recipes are developed through careful testing and tasting, ensuring the ideal dose, yield and extractions times to best express the beans characteristics.
4/ DAILY DIALLING IN
Dialing in is critical for maintaining consistency. This process involves testing the recipe and adjusting the grind to ensure the correct flavour. While the dose and yield are measured with scales, the grind size must be tweaked throughout the day to achieve the extraction time which brings out the perfect flavour.
5/ HONE YOUR WORKFLOW
Efficiency is key to consistent quality. Skilled baristas develop muscle memory, allowing them to perform tasks – grinding, weighing, tamping, extracting, and texturing milk – smoothly and efficiently. A refined workflow boosts both productivity and the consistency of flavour in every cup.
6/ DON’T SERVE THE IMPERFECT
A professional barista understands when something is not right and will not serve an imperfect coffee. Whether the coffee is over-extracted or too cold, high standards ensure every cup reflects the barista’s commitment to quality.
7/ KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT INSIDE OUT
A barista must have a comprehensive knowledge of their equipment. Consistency and quality cannot be maintained without well-functioning tools. This involves checking the water filter, monitoring grinder blades for wear, and ensuring boiler pressure and extraction temperature are optimal. Any equipment issues must be identified and addressed promptly to maintain the highest standards.
MORE THAn JUST TECHNICAL SKILLS
What sets great baristas apart is not only their technical expertise but also their ability to engage with customers while maintaining high standards in the cup. They balance customer interaction with precision, executing each task smoothly while chatting, smiling, and making eye contact.
So, the next time you enjoy your coffee, remember the champion behind the counter – the unsung hero of the cafe. At Zest, we acknowledge the dedication on these professionals and recognize that their hands are the final step in bringing the coffee journey to life.
Empowering baristas is not just about teaching technique. It is about instilling pride in their craft and helping them realize that every cp they create brings joy to someone’s day. We see the importance of inspiring, sharing knowledge and upskilling these professionals so their career is rewarding and is progressing them on their life-long journey.
At zest, we believe that exceptional coffee is at the heart of every thriving cafe, and we are committed to helping baristas fufil their vital role in making that a reality.
Do You Need Help Setting Up Your Cafe?
At Zest, we’re more than just a coffee supplier – we provide full support to help you launch your café with confidence. From choosing the right equipment to training your staff, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Ready to connect with one of our representatives? Fill in the form below we’ll be in touch!