To begin, look for instruction in coffee and tea preparation, brewing methods, cold beverage preparation methods, milk steaming techniques, drink recipes, and necessary equipment applications and maintenance in a barista manual. Much more can be found in a good barista manual.
Barista is an Italian word that means “bartender.” A person who works in a coffeehouse preparing espresso, coffee, and tea drinks is referred to as a barista in American English. Because the title of barista denotes that a person has received training or has a high level of skill in the art of coffee and tea preparation, selecting a good barista manual is crucial.
At the very least, make sure the barista manual you choose covers the fundamentals. You should be able to learn about the various types of coffee roasts. Pay attention to regional differences, growing environments, price, quality, and roasting methods, as well as differences in taste. Make sure your barista manual also includes tea instructions. Proper brewing techniques, methods for making hot, iced, and blended tea drinks, instructions for making tea lattes, and other serving options should all be included.
Espresso should be separated from the rest of the menu. After studying a good barista manual, you should be able to brew espresso, select a quality espresso roast, pull shots, and understand the terms dosing, leveling, and tamping.
Milk should have its own section as well. The basics of steaming should be covered, as well as the differences between steaming 2 percent and skim milk. You should also be given clear instructions on how to maintain proper temperature control, frothing techniques, and how to use milk in coffee and tea drink preparations.
A good barista manual will also include a menu section. Recipes for coffee and tea drinks, coffee terms and slang, and descriptions of proper drink preparation should all be included in this section. Look for a smoothie section on the menu, which will explain how to make smoothies, the difference between using whole fruit and blended fruit, and the various smoothie product options.
There should also be a section on equipment. You should learn about the various types of equipment and their applications, as well as the differences between manufacturers, in this section. A good barista manual will also cover proper cleaning and sanitation techniques, as well as basic maintenance and repair techniques.
A good barista manual should also include a section on coffee history. Look for information on the origins of coffee and tea, as well as their etymologies. A discussion of biology and cultivation, as well as a key facts section about coffee and tea, is an important part of barista training. A good barista manual will also cover the social and health implications of coffee and tea, as well as proper storage methods.
After studying a good barista manual, you may not be qualified to compete in a world barista competition, but you should feel at ease around most any coffee or tea drink preparation or discussion.