Where Do I Start To Learn About Coffee?

Whether you’re planning to be a barista or you simply want to learn about coffee, good sources like Coffee Lover’s Cup are a great place to start. 

The internet has a plethora of information about coffee-making, so we put together a helpful guide and reading tips to make learning worthwhile. Learn more about brewing and how to start a coffee shop business from one of the best coffee franchise in the Philippines. 

Start With a Good Book

You can indeed search about everything and anything on the internet. However, learning is incomplete without a good coffee book. There are tons of coffee books that baristas and enthusiasts can read for basic knowledge. 

Among the most recommended are:

1. The World Atlas of Coffee by James Hoffmann

This book covers all aspects of coffee, from where it is grown to how it’s roasted. It gives you deep knowledge about the history of coffee making to further boost your passion. Plus, it gives practical tips on how to make the best brew.

2. Brew Better Coffee at Home by Brian Jones

This approachable guidebook talks about the complexities of specialty coffee and teaches you how to buy the best beans for brewing.

3. The Professional Barista’s Handbook by Scott Rao

This book breaks down the science behind coffee production. It also explains in detail the mechanics behind espresso-making.

You can also download eBooks about coffee. There are quick guides that can help you prepare good coffee like a professional barista.

Get To Know Your Beans

Good coffee starts with good beans, so you inevitably need to learn as much as you can about beans. They come in many types, from regular roasts to specialty beans.

A good starting point for getting to know your beans is talking to local roasters. Also, don’t be afraid to try a new brand even if you think you found the one. Discover as many flavors as you can to find out the difference.

Enroll in Online Courses

Depending on your goals, many experts and coffee brands offer online courses, often featured on websites like udemy.com. There are courses designed for professionals, beginners, and entrepreneurs. You can choose from among the many topics for various skill levels.

What’s great about these courses is you earn a certification after completion. If you plan to work as a barista or put up your own coffee business, you’ll have something to showcase to your future employer or customers.

You’ll also find a ton of tutorial videos that will help hone your skills and learn to make a variety of coffee beverages, from French press to cold brew. The best thing about online classes is you can take the course on your own time.

Browse Helpful Guides

Look for credible websites that offer a bunch of information about coffee. There are websites dedicated to this topic, and they can be an excellent resource for coffee hacks, how-tos, ideas, and more.

Attend a Barista School

Another option is to enroll in an actual barista class. This is ideal for entrepreneurs, managers, and prospective business owners. If you plan to open up your own coffee shop, you want in-depth training so you can serve the best coffee in town.

Tips When Learning About Coffee

To get the most out of what you learn from books, schools, and more, here are some of the things to keep in mind:

1. Get Your Gear

You don’t need a ton of things to get started, but you need a few necessities that can help you make a good cup of Joe like a pro. They include a coffee grinder, a kitchen scale, a kettle, and a brewing vessel.

Now, this is where the challenge can arise; there are so many brewing vessels for coffee. You have the classic French press, Moka Pot, Aeropress, Espresso machine, and more.

Start with the brewing vessel you prefer the most. You can purchase more as you go along with your coffee journey.

2. Take Notes

Taking notes is very important whether you’re taking an online class or attending a regular barista school. Jot down tips you get from your instructor.

Even if you’re just browsing online guides and blogs, you should also take notes. You can create a Word document or write it on paper. It’s the best way to retain information.

3. Practice Makes Perfect

Without applying what you learn, it’s hard to master the art of coffee brewing. As you learn a brewing technique, practice it at home with the gear you have.

Simulate a barista job by taking orders from family and asking them to review the beverages you make. Additionally, invite friends over to try your new coffee recipes and ask them for feedback.

You Can Become a Coffee Expert

Ignite your passion for coffee by learning as much as you can. The good news is that the new technology makes it a lot easier to access information. From books to quick guides, dedicated websites, online courses, and barista schools, you have different options for learning coffee.