The barista's job
Specialty coffee has won the hearts of coffee lovers all over the world, and Portugal is no exception. Behind every perfect cup is the dedicated work of a passionate professional: the barista. In this article, we'll explore the world of the barista, from what they do to the importance of training in this field.
What is a barista?
The term "barista" has Italian origins and refers to a person who specializes in preparing high-quality coffee.
This professional is not just someone who serves coffee; they are an artist who masters the art of extracting the best flavor and aroma from each bean. They understand details such as the influence of the brewing process on the taste of the bean. The barista is responsible for transforming the simple task of making coffee into a unique sensory experience. Bridging the gap to the world of wine, with which we are already very familiar, the barista is a coffee sommelier.
The barista's duties
The role of the barista goes far beyond the ability to prepare the perfect coffee. As well as being a maestro in extracting flavors and aromas, the barista is an ambassador for specialty coffee, capable of providing a unique experience for customers.
Preparing drinks
The barista's core competence is the preparation of coffee-based drinks. From espresso to latte art in a cappuccino cup, the barista is a master of the art of combining beans, water temperature and extraction techniques to create the perfect cup.
Customer Service
Customer service is a crucial part of a barista's job. As well as mastering preparation techniques, the professional must be cordial, attentive and able to guide customers through their choices, explaining the characteristics of the different beans and preparation methods.
Variety of drinks
Although the basis of a barista's work is coffee, they also handle a variety of other drinks available in coffee shops. From fine teas to seasonal specialty drinks, the barista must be versatile and able to create personalized experiences to suit the diverse tastes of customers.
Space Cleaning and Maintenance
A barista's job isn't just about preparing drinks. They are responsible for cleaning and maintaining their work area before, during and after service, and often also the room and service support areas. Hygiene and organization are essential elements in providing a welcoming and pleasant environment for customers.
Storyteller and Educator
Baristas don't just serve coffee; they are storytellers and educators. By sharing information about the origin of the beans, preparation methods and sustainable practices, the barista involves customers in a narrative that goes beyond the cup, contributing to the conscious appreciation of specialty coffee.
In a profession where the passion for coffee is the starting point, the barista is a multifaceted artist who balances technical skills, customer service, creativity and a commitment to cleanliness and organization. This is a job that requires dedication, but the rewards go beyond the perfection of the cup served: it's about creating memorable moments for coffee lovers in Portugal.
The importance of training
Training is a fundamental pillar for any successful barista.
In Portugal, coffee culture is rich and diverse, and consumers are increasingly demanding. Solid training enables the barista to understand the origin of the beans, explore preparation methods, perfect the extraction technique and understand the nuances of the different types of coffee.
Internationally recognized barista training is provided by AST (Authorized SCA Trainers), such as ours Hugo FerrazThey can be trained in coffee shops or, better still, in specialized and certified schools such as the abcoffee (Porto) or Coffee Academy (Lisbon).
Barista competitions in Portugal
For those looking to excel in their profession, barista competitions are a unique opportunity.
These events bring together the best professionals in the country, providing an environment for learning and exchanging experiences. Taking part in these competitions not only improves the barista's skills, but also contributes to the evolution of the specialty coffee scene in Portugal.
The next national championships will take place in Porto Coffee Week in October 2024.
Conclusion
In Portugal, the barista plays a vital role in the evolution of specialty coffee culture.
With a passion for the art of coffee preparation, combined with solid training and participation in competitions, these professionals elevate the quality of the coffee served and tell stories that involve consumers in a unique sensory journey.
To delve into the world of the barista is to immerse yourself in a journey of flavors, aromas and stories, where each cup is a unique masterpiece.
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