barista certification exam
What does organic mean, in the context of coffee? Describe some details about the organic program
regarding cash flow and structure. - Organic coffee is grown and processed without the use of
chemicals or pesticides, from seed to cup. Organic certifications are given by private organizations, that
in return for a fee, certify the coffee organic, which guarantees the farmer a "higher than market price"
for the coffee they produce.
Why does steaming milk make it taste sweeter? - Though cold milk and steamed milk technically
have the same amount of sugar, the sugar (lactose)/sweetness is more easily perceived when the milk is
at body temperature or warmer (no more than 155 degrees though) due to the increased solubility of
lactose.
Please give 2 reasons why most coffee brewed at home does not taste as well as when it is brewed in a
café - 1. Improper water temperature - less than 195 - 205.
2. Improper grind/bad quality grinder
What are some key points that you would discuss with a guest who is wanting to brew coffee at home
with an alternative brewing method? - Answers should include but are not limited to: water
temperature, water quality, grind, proper filtration, extraction times, pre-ground vs. whole bean, and
stale coffee
Give two examples of flavor/sensory characteristics that are indicative of each taste category: - a.
Acidity: Lemon, orange, grapefruit, apricot, plumb, grape, apple
b. Sweetness: Caramel, chocolate, butterscotch, tof ee
c. Bitterness: Dark chocolate, bakers chocolate, fruit rind, carbon, burnt sugar
d. Aroma: Sweet, spicy, fruity. (Aromatic characteristics tend to be more general and become clear when
experienced with the associated flavor).
e. Body/Mouthfeel: Heavy, light, gritty, smooth, viscous, syrupy, ef ervescent
f. Balance: Acidity, sweetness, and bitterness all coexist and interact in harmony with no characteristic
overpowering the other.
, What are two factors that can cause coffee prices to change from origin to origin and from day to day? -
Answers can include (but are not limited to): Taxes and tarif s placed on cof ee by countries,
weather during the growing season, cof ee plant diseases/pests in countries and how that af ected total
production, the total demand for cof ee, the total supply of cof ee, shipping, importation, and
transportation.
Robusta: Grown at lower elevations (generally less than 1000 MASL), generally considered to be
substantially lower quality than Arabica, yields more cof ee per plant that Arabica, is easier to grow than
Arabica, and is less susceptible to disease and pests than Arabica.
What are the three certifications the Kaldi's Roasting Facility holds - 1. Organic
2. Kosher
3. KRC (Kaldi's Relationship Cof ee)
What are the 6 aspects to pay attention to when tasting espresso? - 1. Aroma
2. Body/Mouthfeel
3. Acidity
4. Sweetness
5. Bitterness
6. Finish
Espresso is extracted at ____ bars of pressure. - 9
What is an acceptable temperature range for milk steaming for non-traditional beverages? - c.
150°-155°F
If a shot tastes off, and the dose is within parameters, what should be the first corrective action taken by
the barista? - c. Check/Change the grind
