Erica's Wild Coffee Tangent

[lizziebith]

We get free Peet's at work, and it's okay, but I still prefer certain Starbucks varieties. Granted the Peet's is pre-ground, which horrifies me!

I worked at Starbucks in the VERY early 1990s. Back then, you had to attend a week of coffee school before you were allowed to become a barista. We learned how to taste the different components in the flavor of coffee on different parts of our tongues. We learned the characteristics of the 26-odd regional and blended whole bean selections we typically sold. We learned all about temperatures, acidity, pressure...well you get the picture! It was hardcore and I loved it!

I recently asked a barista if Starbucks had them go to coffee school still, and the kid looked at me like I had eye-stalks! And you can tell from their menu that they don't require knowledge anymore -- they mostly offer blends. Phooey!

I can still taste the difference between an Ethiopian coffee, and Indonesian coffee, a Mexican coffee...and usually to the area too. Stupid skill to have really...

Anyway, coffee school broke me of the habit of putting cream in my coffee -- now I like it pure!