Barista Skills Questions Flashcards
Give one way in which a coffee farmer could benefit from being part of an ethical trading scheme.
Any one of the following:
• Higher price for their product
• Improved social conditions
• Better environmental conditions
Briefly describe how the growing conditions for Arabica and robusta beans differ.
Any one of the following:
• Appropriate altitude (grown in higher areas)
• Climate
• Weather conditions (arabica beans require cooler weather, low rainfall, higher altitude)
Why would hand picking usually produce better quality coffee beans?
Any one of the following:
• Individual coffee cherries are picked at their optimum ripeness
• Damaged or under-ripe cherries are not picked
What is the main difference between robusta and Arabica coffee plants that allows robusta to grow successfully at lower altitudes?
It has higher caffeine content, which acts as a natural pesticide.
Briefly describe how robusta and Arabica green beans differ in their visual appearance.
Any one of the following:
Arabica:
• Greener
• More oval
Robusta:
• Smaller
• Rounder
• Browner
“Give one way in which the typical flavour of 100% Arabica blend differs from 100%
robusta blend.”
Any one of the following: Arabica: • Higher acidity • Lighter body • Cleaner
Robusta:
• Harsher
• More bitter
• Fuller body
Why are coffee beans roasted?
To create flavour
How does a typical dark roast differ from a typical light roast in flavour?
Any one of the following: Light roasts: • More delicate • More acid • More floral
Dark roasts: • Have more body • Are stronger • More ‘coffee’ flavour • Richer flavour • Less acidity • Less delicate flavours
How would a wet processed bean usually differ in flavour from a dry processed bean?
Any one of the following: Wet: • Cleaner • More delicate notes • More acidity
Dry: • More body • Harsher • Lower acidity • Sweeter
Why are different coffee beans blended?
Any one of the following:
• To combine flavours
• To give different coffee profiles
All teas come from a particular plant – what is its Latin name?
Camellia sinensis
Give one of the four main tea types.
Any one of the following: • Black • Green • Oolong • White
Give one key growing factor that can affect the flavour/variety of tea.
Any one of the following:
• Soil
• Elevation
• Climate
Many specialty teas are named after the region in which they are grown. Name one of the three largest.
Any one of the following:
• Assam
• Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
• Darjeeling
Briefly describe the appearance of black tea made with water at 75°C.
Any one of the following:
• Tea looks weaker (poorly extracted)
• White film on surface of drink
For brewing tea, the minimum temperature should be?
98.5 ºC
What is the ideal temperature range for brewing black tea?
98.5 °C – 100 °C
What is the main flavour difference between black and green tea?
Any one of the following: Green tea: • Lighter • Fresher • More astringent
Black tea:
• More depth of flavour
What is the flavoured oil added to tea to make Earl Grey tea?
Bergamot oil
How should tea be stored?
Any one of the following: • In the dry • In an airtight container • Away from heat • Away from strong odours
Herbal teas are often referred to as ‘infusions’. What percentage tea ingredient do herbal infusions contain?
None
Name one country in which cocoa beans are grown.
Any one of the following: • Ivory Coast • Ghana • Indonesia • Brazil • Mexico • Venezuela • Ecuador • Madagascar • Jamaica
What happens to cocoa beans after they are picked?
The husk is removed to release the pulp and bean, the bean is then fermented in the sun and dried.
Give one reason why it is important to follow the supplier’s guidelines on the chocolate powder to milk ratio.
Any one of the following:
• Consistency
• Quality
• Consistency of strength of drink
Give one way in which the presentation of a chocolate drink could be improved.
Any one of the following:
• Serve in a tall clear glass
• Add a marshmallow
• Top off with whipped cream
Why should a chocolate machine mixture assembly be cleaned daily?
Because of the hygiene risks associated with the use of milk powder in the chocolate.
If the chocolate machine is not frothing properly, what should be checked on the equipment?
Any one of the following:
• The whipper motor
• The whipper paddle
How should chocolate powder be stored?
Any one of the following:
• In the dry
• Away from strong odours
Briefly describe how the cocoa bean becomes a liquor ready for use in making chocolate or cocoa powder.
The bean is finely ground to produce the liquor.
Why does espresso coffee use a finer grind than cafetiere or French press coffee?
Because the different types of coffee have different brewing times.
How long should an espresso shot take to extract?
Between 20 and 30 seconds
How would the shot time of an espresso machine be increased from 15 to 25 seconds?
Any one of the following:
• Make the grind finer
• Increase the coffee dose
What quantity of water, in millilitres (ml), should the single espresso button be calibrated to on a correctly functioning espresso machine?
30 ml
How much coffee should be used in a double basket if only one shot is required?
Any one of the following:
• 14 grams
• Two clicks
Give one check that should be made if no or low crema is observed on an espresso.
Any one of the following: • Coffee freshness • Shot time • Espresso machine boiler temperature (may be too hot) • Coffee grind/extraction rate
What might be suspected if a customer complains of an espresso being too cold?
Any one of the following:
• Brewed into a cold cup
• Taken too long to serve
Describe the ideal texture of foam on a cappuccino or caffé latte.
Any one of the following:
• Very small bubbles
• Smooth
• Creamy consistency
How should the foam layer on a cappuccino differ from a caffé latte?
Any one of the following:
• Cappuccino has a foam layer of approximately 2 cm
• Caffé latte has a foam layer of approximately 5 mm
What is the maximum allowable temperature when steaming milk?
70 ºC
What happens if milk is heated above 70°C?
Any one of the following:
• Milk is over heated
• Milk cannot be used
• Milk smells burnt
Give one reason why milk might not foam properly on a correctly functioning machine.
Any one of the following:
• Milk has already been foamed
• Milk is not fresh
Give one reason why it is important to follow the supplier’s recommended amount of coffee to water ratio.
Any one of the following:
• Consistency
• Quality
• Consistency of strength of drink
What is a likely reason for the filter pan overflowing?
Any one of the following:
• Use of multiple filter papers
• Spring in brewing pan missing
• Wrong grind
What is the maximum time for keeping brewed filter coffee on a hot plate?
Up to 1 hour
What step should be taken after completing a coffee filter brew?
Any one of the following:
• Dispose of used filters
• Dispose of spent grounds
If a customer has requested a filter coffee when there is only an espresso machine available, what should be explained to the customer?
Any one of the following:
• An Americano is the closest option
• A filter coffee cannot be provided
Why does coffee have a limited shelf life?
Any one of the following:
• It loses flavour with age
• It deteriorates with age
How should coffee be stored?
Any one of the following: • Away from heat • Away from direct light • Away from strong odours • In an air tight bag
State one benefit of packing fresh coffee in a foil bag with a one-way valve.
Any one of the following: • To reduce exposure to oxygen • To prevent coffee from going stale • To release gases from the pack • It stops the bag bursting
What can be done to reduce the effect of staling due to exposure of coffee to air?
Any one of the following:
• Only open one bag at a time
• Don’t pre-grind coffee
• Only have enough coffee open for period of service
• Minimise exposure of coffee to air
• Open packaging immediately prior to use
• Expel air from bag when resealing
What is the effect of air getting to vacuum packed coffee beans once they are opened?
Any one of the following:
• They immediately start to deteriorate
• They react with the oxygen in the air and start to go stale
Identify a check that could be made on the espresso machine if milk is not foaming properly.
Any one of the following:
• Steam wand for blockages
• Low steam pressure on the machine
Identify a check that could be made if there is limescale around the boiler tap nozzle.
Any one of the following:
• Check if the boiler is due for a descale
• Check if the filter needs replacing
Why should all spills be cleaned up immediately?
Any one of the following:
• To prevent slips/falls/potential dangers
• To maintain image
• To maintain hygiene
Give one risk incurred by soaking steam wands.
Any one of the following:
• Dirty water can be sucked into the boiler
• Contamination of the water
Explain what should be checked in the equipment if water escapes around the group
handle when brewing an espresso.
Any one of the following:
• Check the group seals for wear
• Check that not too much coffee has been put in the group handle
What purpose does backflushing with detergent on an espresso machine serve?
Any one of the following:
• Detannins the group head
• Cleans the group head
Explain what should be checked if there is a leak of clean water under the espresso machine.
Any one of the following:
• Check inlet pipe
• Check drip tray
How could a thermometer be used in a café environment?
Checking temperatures
Why should non-flesh coloured plasters used if someone cuts themselves when working in the food and beverage industry?
For visibility
What cleaning operation must be carried out daily on a bean-to-cup or fully automated
machine which uses fresh milk?
Disassembly and thorough cleaning of milk head.
Briefly describe what a smoothie is.
A blended beverage made from natural ingredients, usually fruit, yoghurt or fruit juice, and sometimes mixed with ice.
What is the main piece of equipment required to make a smoothie?
A blender
What precautions should be taken when using blenders?
Any one of the following:
• Keep lid on
• Don’t put hands/utensils into jug
What is generally fitted to large commercial blenders to reduce noise?
A sound enclosure
When making a smoothie, if the jug blades are not spinning, what should be checked?
Check that the jug is seated properly on the base.
For how long should a smoothie be blended?
Between 20 and 30 seconds
Why should standard ratios of fruits and other ingredients be followed when making smoothies?
Any one of the following:
• Consistency of drink
• Correct flavour of drink
State one nutritional/dietary benefit of a smoothie drink.
Any one of the following:
• Contains whole fruit, including fibrous matter good for the diet
• Can count as part of a person’s recommended amount of fruit and vegetable portion intake
Briefly describe the correct sequence for filling a visual bowl juice machine when making juice from concentrate.
Water, then juice mix, then water.
If a drip is coming from the juice machine, what should be checked?
Check the seals for wear/correct fitting
What special precautions should be taken with dairy products and juices?
Any one of the following:
• Kept at the correct temperature
• Kept covered/sealed
Briefly describe how to demonstrate effective listening.
Any one of the following: • Paraphrasing back to customer • Eye contact • Nodding • Active listening • Positive listening
What is the first step in dealing with a customer complaint?
Acknowledging the problem
Give one benefit of resolving a customer complaint satisfactorily.
Any one of the following: • Customer satisfaction • Repeat business • Word of mouth publicity • Increased sales • Increased company profits • Increased staff morale • Increased staff satisfaction
State one potential consequence of failing to handle a customer complaint effectively.
Any one of the following: • Dissatisfaction • No repeat business • Decreased sales • Staff morale
What is the first thing that should be done when processing transactions?
Communicate amount due/give the customer the bill.
Give one payment method which is acceptable in the café environment.
Any one of the following: • Cash • Cheque • Debit card • Credit card • Store/loyalty card • Voucher
