So You Want to Be a Barista?
Merit Coffee Breaks it Down.
The Merit Coffee Barista Training is a masterclass in coffee. We teach everything about how to achieve the ideal extraction, creating a vast variety of coffee drinks.
- Origin Characteristics of the beans in terms of terrain, climate, altitude, cultivars, and processing methods after harvest: Natural, Honey, and Washed.
- Taste Profiles of the roasting process and the best brew method to bring out the optimum flavors.
- Grind Size tailored to different brew methods. The grind size affects the surface area of the coffee in contact with water, influencing the rate of extraction.
- Tamping distribution of the grounds ensures consistent extraction by creating a uniform surface for the water to pass through.
- Water Quality regarding mineral content and filtration.
- Water Temperature at the optimal range between 195°F and 205°F (90°C to 96°C). Water that is too hot can over-extract the coffee, leading to bitterness, while water that is too cold can result in under-extraction, leading to a weak and sour brew.
- Brew Methods range from pour-overs to espresso beverages. Each method has its unique characteristics that affect the flavor profile.
- Brew Time involves the duration of the brewing process to extract optimal flavor.
- Coffee-to-Water Ratio determines the strength and intensity of the brew.
- Milk Steaming to achieve that smooth, velvety microfoam.
- Latte Art for an elevated and delightful flourish.
- Flavor Balance creating a myriad of signature drinks through the use of milks, house-made syrups and creative inspiration from our skilled R&D team.
- Cleaning and Maintenance to prevent buildup of residue, oils, and milk solids. This ensures consistent quality and equipment care.
TIPS FOR GREAT COFFEE AT HOME
• Try a new coffee roast. You may be delighted with a crisp, bright floral profile you never knew existed!
- Try a new brewing method. Pour-Over, French Press, AeroPress—there’s more to coffee than Drip brewing! (although we like that, too!)
- Measure and grind to brewing method.
- Use filtered water. Seriously, it makes a difference.
- Water Temperature should be between 195°-205°F.
- Clean your brewing equipment!
- Store your beans in an airtight container away from heat, sunlight, and spices.
