Extraction
Extraction refers to the process of making coffee by pulling hot water through ground coffee beans to create the final beverage. It's a fundamental skill in coffee-making that determines the quality and taste of espresso and other coffee drinks. Think of it like squeezing juice from fruit - the way you do it affects how the final drink tastes. Baristas need to understand extraction because it's what makes the difference between a great cup of coffee and a poor one. When you see "extraction" in job descriptions, employers are looking for someone who knows how to properly brew coffee using professional equipment.
Examples in Resumes
Trained new baristas on proper extraction techniques for consistent espresso quality
Maintained optimal extraction times and ratios for specialty coffee beverages
Monitored extraction parameters to ensure high-quality coffee service
Typical job title: "Baristas"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Baristas
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you train someone to achieve consistent extraction?
Expected Answer: A senior barista should explain the key factors: grind size, dose weight, water temperature, pressure, and timing. They should mention training methods and troubleshooting common issues.
Q: What steps would you take to diagnose and fix poor extraction?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate problem-solving by explaining how to identify issues like over/under extraction through taste, appearance, and timing, and how to adjust variables to fix the problem.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the signs of good extraction?
Expected Answer: Should describe visual cues (color, crema), timing (20-30 seconds for espresso), and taste characteristics (balanced, not bitter or sour).
Q: How do different coffee roasts affect extraction?
Expected Answer: Should explain how darker or lighter roasts require different grinding and extraction approaches to get the best flavor.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the basic process of coffee extraction?
Expected Answer: Should explain the simple steps of making espresso: grinding coffee, tamping, running water through at the right pressure and time.
Q: Why is consistent extraction important?
Expected Answer: Should understand that consistent extraction ensures every customer gets the same quality drink and explains the basics of what makes a good cup of coffee.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-1 years)
- Basic coffee extraction techniques
- Understanding of espresso machine operation
- Basic drink preparation
- Equipment cleaning and maintenance
Mid (1-3 years)
- Consistent extraction quality
- Troubleshooting extraction problems
- Multiple brewing methods
- Training newer staff
Senior (3+ years)
- Advanced extraction techniques
- Quality control management
- Staff training and development
- Equipment maintenance and calibration
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic extraction timing
- Cannot explain the relationship between grind size and extraction
- No knowledge of proper temperature requirements
- Unfamiliar with cleaning and maintenance procedures
Related Terms
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