- 8 Sections
- 46 Lessons
- Lifetime
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- Introduction to Specialty Coffee7
- 1.1Welcome to the World of Specialty Coffee5 Minutes
- 1.2The Story of Coffee: From Ancient Origins to Global Culture7 Minutes
- 1.3Understanding the Coffee Value Chain8 Minutes
- 1.4What Makes Coffee “Specialty”?7 Minutes
- 1.5The Language of Coffee: Terms You Need to Know6 Minutes
- 1.6Quiz: Your First Sip of Knowledge4 Minutes3 Questions
- 1.7End-of-Module Summary:5 Minutes
- From Seed to HarvestThis module explores how coffee is grown, nurtured, and harvested — the stage where quality truly begins. You’ll gain a deep appreciation for the farmers, environments, and processes that shape the flavors in every cup of specialty coffee.9
- 2.1The Coffee Plant: Understanding Its Origins and Species7 Minutes
- 2.2Coffee-Growing Regions and Their Unique Flavor Profiles8 Minutes
- 2.3From Flower to Cherry: The Life Cycle of a Coffee Plant6 Minutes
- 2.4Harvesting: The Art of Picking the Perfect Cherry7 Minutes
- 2.5Processing Methods: From Cherry to Green Bean8 Minutes
- 2.6The Role of Climate and Altitude in Coffee Quality7 Minutes
- 2.7Sustainability: Protecting the Future of Coffee7 Minutes
- 2.8Quiz: From Seed to Harvest4 Minutes3 Questions
- 2.9End-of-Module Summary:4 Minutes
- Processing and RoastingOnce the coffee cherries are harvested, their transformation into the green beans ready for roasting begins. This module explores each processing method — washed, natural, and honey — and reveals how roasting unlocks the flavors within each bean. You’ll also discover how roast levels, time, and temperature influence aroma, body, and taste.8
- 3.1Introduction to Coffee Processing5 Minutes
- 3.2Washed Process: Clarity and Precision6 Minutes
- 3.3Natural Process: Sweetness and Complexity5 Minutes
- 3.4Honey Process: The Balance of Sweetness and Clarity6 Minutes
- 3.5Drying, Hulling, and Grading5 Minutes
- 3.6Introduction to Roasting: Science Meets Art7 Minutes
- 3.7Roast Profiles and Their Impact on Flavor6 Minutes
- 3.8Quiz: Processing and Roasting5 Minutes5 Questions
- Brewing FundamentalsThis module explores the science and craft of coffee brewing. Students will learn how grind size, water temperature, and brewing time affect extraction — and how to choose the right brewing method to highlight a coffee’s flavor profile. From French press to espresso, this module turns coffee lovers into confident brewers.8
- 4.1Understanding Coffee Extraction6 Minutes
- 4.2Grind Size and Its Effect on Flavor5 Minutes
- 4.3The Golden Ratio: Coffee-to-Water Balance4 Minutes
- 4.4Water Quality and Temperature5 Minutes
- 4.5Brewing Methods: An Overview8 Minutes
- 4.6Hands-On Brewing Guide (Step-by-Step)8 Minutes
- 4.7Common Brewing Mistakes and How to Fix Them6 Minutes
- 4.8Quiz: Brewing Fundamentals5 Minutes4 Questions
- Sensory Skills and CuppingThis module helps learners develop their sensory awareness — the ability to taste, smell, and evaluate coffee like a professional. They’ll learn to identify aroma notes, flavor profiles, and use the official cupping process to assess coffee quality.6
- Espresso Mastery & Barista SkillsThis module introduces the science and art behind espresso — from grind calibration to milk steaming and latte art. Students will learn how baristas achieve consistency, balance, and beauty in every espresso-based beverage.6
- Sustainable Coffee Practices & EthicsSustainability is at the heart of specialty coffee. This module teaches students how farming practices, ethical sourcing, and fair labor impact the future of coffee — and how both professionals and consumers can make responsible choices.6
- Course Review & CertificationThis final module brings together everything learners have discovered in the Foundations of Specialty Coffee journey — from coffee origins, processing, roasting, brewing, and sustainability, to the ethics that guide the specialty industry. Students who complete this module and pass the final quiz earn the Wasca Coffee Academy Certificate of Completion — recognizing their foundational knowledge in specialty coffee.4
Certification Guidelines
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