Barista Training Classes – 5 Things To Look For
May 29, 2011
The term “barista” hails from the Italian language and refers in that language to a bartender who serves both coffee and alcoholic drinks. However, in North America, the term overwhelmingly refers to those who are adept at operating a commercial espresso machine and hand crafting specialty coffee beverages.
In fact, most coffee house baristas do much more than just make a superior shot of espresso. They now possess a wide-ranging set of skills, including how to make hand-crafted coffee using a French Press, Chemex or Hario V60 dripper, how to care for the espresso equipment, and how do latte art.
Given the dramatic rise in popularity of independent and chain coffee shops and coffee houses in the United States over the past two decades, there is an increasing number of employment opportunities for people to work as baristas.
People are attracted to working in the specialty Coffee industry for a number of reasons. Mastery of the ability to serve excellent coffee and espresso drinks takes time and training, so there is understandably a sense of pride that accompanies becoming an accomplished barista. Also, many people enjoy working in and around coffee houses, given the unique ambience and general feel that many of them possess.
If you are considering becoming a professional barista – or if you just want to learn how to make an amazing shot of espresso – you will benefit from getting the proper training in advance.
Here are 5 things to look for in barista training classes:
1. Focuses on a range of required techniques:
Anybody who has ever observed a barista in action may be tempted to underestimate the various feats being performed before their very eyes. A good barista can make it all look so simple. However, there is much to know in order to master the skills of a professional.
Make sure that the barista training class you are considering exposes you to the following skill sets: Espresso history, science and theory, grinder and espresso machine basics, grinder adjustment, proper espresso distribution and dosing, tamping technique, shot timing and extraction, proper milk steaming and texturing, pouring technique, classic drink preparation (espresso, cappuccino, latte, macchiato, Americano, and mocha), latte art, equipment cleaning, and customer service. You should also check to make sure the barista training classes you are considering also cover some of the other coffee brewing methods such as: hand pour-over drip coffee from a Chemex or a Hario V60, a French press, and a vacuum filtration siphon pot.
2. Exposes you to different types of machines and equipment:
As can be imagined, there is a wide range of different types of espresso machines and equipment on the market. A good barista training course will thoroughly explain components and specifications. It will also review how to select the appropriate equipment for different applications. And, it also covers machine cleaning and maintenance techniques.
3. Reviews management-level considerations:
The course should expose you to a general knowledge of coffee shop operations, coffee shop efficiency, coffee sourcing, finding good suppliers, and preserving coffee freshness and quality through proper storage.
4. Small class sizes:
Particularly important is to look for a coffee school that offers small class sizes. Ask about their ratio of instructors to students.
5. Tailored to different student needs and learning styles:
Finally, ask about their teaching philosophy. The coffee school you choose for your training class should be one that places an emphasis on each student’s unique learning style. You need patient instructors who understand that each student has varying levels of background knowledge about the coffee business – and each one takes in information differently. You should avoid schools offering one-size-fits-all teaching styles for your training experience.
Consider these 5 things to look for in your next barista training class.
| To find more from Tom Vincent or to learn more about coffee education, barista training, and coffee company consulting – check out Texas Coffee School or follow Texas Coffee School on Facebook and Twitter (@TXCoffeeSchool).
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Coffee & Caffeine – The Elixirs of Strife
May 22, 2011
How much coffee can one nation drink? Why not have a cup or ten? Have you noticed that you are on edge, quick to bark or bite and have trouble sleeping? Me, too. It’s all about our coffee consumption, also known as caffeine overdosing. Gotta have that buzz. It’s an addiction, no two ways about it.
Caffeine is one of the most powerful stimulant drugs around, as if you didn’t know. Thank God it’s legal. But, we are caffeinating ourselves at a very self-destructive rate on a daily basis. We could not work without it. We could not “relax” without it. The more you drink, the more you want, the more you need. We all know that the best jolt comes after the first cup. After that, the effects are quite diminished. It just gets to be absurd having to drink, drink, drink one more cup. But, we do.
I love nothing more than getting up early (because I can’t sleep worth a darn, and never have) and firing up the computer right along with a nice strong pot of mud made from gourmet beans that I grind myself. It smells so good and tastes so good, for a while anyway. Then, the tension mounts. I am jumpy. My hands have tiny caffeine tremors, my gut is burning, and then I get hungry. Yes, Coffee really does increase your appetite, especially when you’ve been sitting at a computer letting words pour off your finders for hours. It’s an endless cycle.
I absolutely know my life would be much better if I could give it up. But, being the man of many vices that I am, I realize it’s gonna be one steep uphill climb and a half. I’ve done it before. And, it really pays off. You actually end up having much more energy naturally than drinking cup after cup can ever give you. The caffeine buzz is fleeting while the natural one is not.
And, then there’s the weight thing. The exhilaration gives way to tension then immense hunger. All the exercise in the world can’t combat that, though I keep trying to offset this unending cycle. What would it feel like to be naturally buzzed? From my past experiences, it’s quite nice. But then, you smell one too many whiffs of great-smelling java and you’re toast. And, the rush from that first cup after abstinence is almost too much to describe. Man, it is so awesome. But, it’s not only very self-destructive, it’s a lie, dang it.
I really am into making some big dietary changes to my life. I’m sick of huffing and puffing during racquetball, skiing, biking and walking up stairs. I need to lose 40 pounds…at least. I look forward to it. But, it won’t be easy. It’s a risk-reward kind of thing. Maybe if I can just get through the withdrawal process, weaning myself little by little, and then start reaping the rewards, I’ll be on my way to a new habit-forming lifestyle of healthy choices without that demon coffee plaguing me and begging to rejoin my life.
Tobacco, you’re next!
| Grant Brad Gerver is an entrepreneur and creative consultant for Filibi, an online classified and coupon advertising site and free home business paying 70% commissions to its members. He’s also a YouTube blues singer-songwriter and guitar player (gbgerver) who performs with The Buzzard Brothers. Additionally, Grant writes political humor, thousands of bumper stickers, and humorous movie reviews. He has also worked with various companies as a product-naming specialist. He’s a retired elementary school teacher and published children’s author who works in the health care field.
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Coffee and 10 Health Facts
May 10, 2011
Coffee, like red wine, is a drink with both health benefits and dangers. Because coffee contains caffeine, which is a stimulant, it can increase the heart rate, boost adrenaline and up your cortisone levels. With this increased stimulation comes both pros and cons.
To learn more about the health impact of coffee, keep reading for 10 critical health facts about coffee.
1. Reduced Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s Disease
A recent study published in the European Journal of Neurology shows that people who drank about 2 cups of coffee per day were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease when compared to people who only drank a cup a day or less.
2. Better Cognitive Performance
There may be another reason why students guzzle coffee during late-night study sessions – those who drink coffee regularly often perform better on short term memory recall, verbal memory and logical reasoning tests.
3. Increased Constipation
While Coffee is a stimulant and can therefore stimulate the bowels, it is also a diuretic, meaning it can dehydrate the body and contribute to constipation. However, alternative medical practitioners often prescribe coffee enemas to clear out the colon.
4. Antioxidants
Coffee contains a number of antioxidants, particularly methylpyridinium which is formed during the roasting process.
5. Increased Anxiety or Sleep Problems
People suffering from anxiety or insomnia should not drink large amounts of coffee or caffeine products, especially after noon. Because it’s a stimulant, it can keep you up and give you coffee jitters if drunk in excess.
6. Reduced Risk for Parkinson’s Disease
A recent study showed that heavy coffee drinkers, those drinking more than 3 cups a day, were less likely to develop Parkinson’s Disease when compared to non coffee drinkers or light drinkers.
7. Increased Cholesterol
The health risk of increased cholesterol only applies to coffee brewed with a French press. Coffee made with a regular paper filter tends to trap the brew’s natural oils, therefore not causing as high of a cholesterol risk.
8. Reduced Risk for Gout
Thanks to its diuretic and stimulant properties, regular coffee consumption has been shown to reduce the incidence of gout in men.
9. Stained Teeth
Coffee will stain your teeth. While this isn’t a health risk, it can adversely affect your teeth and their natural enamel. No doubt your dentist will routinely remind you of this drawback.
10. Pain Killer
If you read the ingredients for many over-the-counter painkiller medications, you’ll see they contain caffeine. This is because coffee and caffeine increase the effectiveness of these medications despite the need to be cautious of excess.
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