Starbucks is a global leader in coffee and coffee products. From its humble beginnings in 1971, the company has grown exponentially in both size and diversity. Offering coffee from all over the world, Starbucks’ coffee is renowned for its bold flavor and rich aroma. So, how does Starbucks go about making its coffee?
Starbucks starts with finding the right coffee beans. They source their beans from around the world, mainly from Latin America, Africa and India, as well as other regions. Having the right beans is key to creating that perfect cup of coffee. Each region offers a unique taste, aroma, and acidity to the coffee. This is why Starbucks roasts its beans in small batches to ensure the coffee from each region has its own signature flavor.
Another element in the coffee making process is the grind. Starbucks uses both a traditional blade grinder and a professional burr grinder for their coffee. The blade grinder slices the coffee beans into small bits and pieces, while the burr grinder crushes the coffee beans into consistently sized grounds. These grinds are essential in releasing the full flavor of the beans.
Starbucks then uses the pour-over method to brew its coffee. This is a slow and meticulous process that allows the water to evenly pass through the grounds. Each cup is hand-crafted and brewed to order. This ensures there is no burnt flavor or acidic bite; every cup of Starbucks coffee is consistent.
The quality of water used to make coffee can also have an effect on its flavor. Starbucks uses filtered water in all of its stores and makes sure that the water has the right balance of minerals. This helps bring out the natural flavors of the beans and enhances the taste.
Finally, Starbucks adds subtle notes of flavor to its coffee by using syrups and other natural flavorings. These syrups and flavorings are specially blended to give Starbucks its signature taste,which is what makes Starbucks one of the most popular coffee brands in the world.
Roasting
At the core of Starbucks success is its roasting process. Every bean is roasted with a specific roast profile that highlights its unique flavor. Starbucks uses the medium-dark roast for its signature Starbucks house blend. This roast profile enhances the flavor and aroma of the beans. It also creates a smooth, balanced and mellow flavor.
The beans are then ground to achieve a consistent, even grind. Medium to Coarse grinds are used for espresso, while finer grinds are used to make pour-over and French press coffees.. The grind of the beans impacts the amount of time the water is in contact with the grounds, which affects the taste and strength of the coffee.
After the beans are ground,they are placed in air-tight bins for freshness and stored in cool, dry places until ready for an order. The roasting process followed by Starbucks takes great care in ensuring the coffee beans maintain their freshness from the coffee farms to the Starbucks store.
Brewing
The brewing process for Starbucks coffee follows the same tried and true methods of coffee making used around the world. This includes Espresso, Chemex and Pour-over. The brewing method chosen by a barista depends on the type of coffee and the customer’s preference.
Batches of regular or decaf coffee are brewed with automatic machines. The coffee grounds are weighed and poured into specific containers,depending on the brewing method used. Hot water is then poured into the containers and allowed to steep for a certain amount of time. This saturates the grounds, allowing the flavor and aroma to be extracted.
The café’s espresso shots are pulled manually as these require higher levels of pressure and temperature. The freshly roasted grounds are placed into the portafilter and tamped down using a tamper. This helps to create an even surface with the grinds into the portafilter. Hot water is then forced through the grinds, resulting in a single shot or double shot of espresso.
Flavoring
Flavorings are used to complement the flavor of the coffee. Starbucks uses a wide variety of syrups, including vanilla, hazelnut, peppermint, and caramel. Milk and cream are also used to create the frothy texture and creamy sweetness associated with Starbucks coffees. The barista carefully measures and mixes all the ingredients to make the perfect cup of coffee.
An additional option available to customers is flavoring shots, which are added to their beverage of choice. Flavoring shots can be added to any order, providing customers the flexibility to customize their drinks. The flavoring shots come in a wide variety of flavors and aromas, such as pumpkin spice, mocha, and white chocolate. These flavoring shots further enhance the flavor of the coffee and create unique blends.
Presentation
Presentation is another key element in the creation of a perfect cup of coffee. The barista carefully measures the ingredients and follows a specific recipe to ensure the customer receives their order exactly as intended. Milk, cream, and syrups are measured and poured into the cup. The espresso shots are pulled and added to the mix. The final product is topped with a sprinkle of cocoa or a dollop of foam.
The presentation of the cup plays an important role in the overall experience. From the type of cup used, the type of milks, to the art present on the top of the cup. Every detail counts in creating the perfect cup of coffee from Starbucks.
Quality Assurance
The final step in the process is quality assurance. Baristas taste each cup to ensure it meets the highest standards and that each cup is consistent with the Starbucks flavor. The barista also makes sure that all ingredients are in the correct quantity and that the presentation is up to standard.
Furthermore, Starbucks ensures that all equipment is well-maintained and properly functioning. Espresso machines are serviced regularly to ensure that they are calibrated and running at optimal levels. This helps to ensure that each order tastes the same, regardless of the store.
At Starbucks, making the perfect cup of coffee is a team effort. From the sourcing of the best beans and grinds to the slow and meticulous brewing methods, Starbucks takes great care to create a flavorful and aromatic cup of coffee every time.
