When it comes to brewing the perfect cup of coffee , we all know it's important to choose high-quality beans and use a precise brewing method, but did you know that the type of water you brew with can also make a big difference?
Since coffee is 98% water, it's essential to use non-distilled water that contains some minerals. It must also be heated to the proper temperature of between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
The clear liquid H2O we use as the base for all served coffee hides a lot inside. Despite its transparency, tap water contains a large amount of soluble fibers and solids. This everyday consumable has a significant impact on the quality of your cup of coffee. Also keep in mind: if water is labeled as drinking-quality, it may not be harmful to your health, but it may still contain some unpleasant substances that make the coffee taste flat or even off.
Water used for brewing coffee must be clean and fresh in taste, smell, and appearance. It must also be food-grade and free of chlorine, chloramine, and hypochlorite. This is a difficult issue due to the regular disinfection of major water pipes around the world.
Tap water
Using tap water for coffee may be the easiest solution, but with ease comes sacrifice. As mentioned above, this type of water contains compounds that can drastically alter the flavor of your coffee. Remember, a high mineral content means more extra flavors, and we want neutral water.
So, tap water may be more accessible, but all those minerals will restrict the potential of your coffee beans. If you have the patience and desire to make a great cup of coffee, don't use tap water. Especially if you hate cleaning your espresso machine.
Bottled water
If you're interested in making a good cup of coffee without adding any new appliances to your kitchen, then bottled water may be the way to go. However, this can be expensive in the long run and may increase your plastic consumption. So, if you already tend to keep a lot of bottled water on hand, we recommend using it.
Filtered water
Since most people use tap water to make coffee, using filtered water will really make your coffee stand out. The filtering process will remove all those nasty acidic compounds and leave you in love with your morning brew.
Using filtered water will not only make your coffee taste better, but it's also better for your health. Unfiltered water contains toxins that can have long-term negative effects on your health.
What happens to the pH of water?
Basically, water is neutral, meaning it has a pH of 7. However, due to the different molecules dissolved in water, it can also be slightly acidic or alkaline. As a result, common drinking water can have a pH ranging from ≥ 6.5 to ≤ 9.5.
Bicarbonate regulates the acidity of coffee. It must have at least some alkalinity to keep the pH stable and balance the coffee's flavor. However, too high an alkalinity will prevent us from tasting the pleasant acidity even if it is present in the coffee . The flavor is dull, flat, and earthy. The cupping portions foam up. On the other hand, with too low an alkalinity, the coffee tastes sour and vinegary.
Acidic water is bad for extraction but good for flavor. Additionally, corrosion will be a problem for the equipment. Alkaline water is good for extraction but bad for flavor. The lower the total hardness and alkalinity values, the less scale will form.
Adjusting the water for coffee?
If you're wondering whether your water is safe for making coffee, you can start by checking the overall water content. When using water from the public water supply, it's easy to check with your local water plant to see what the water from your main actually contains. When using water from your own well, you'll need to perform the water analysis yourself. There are also different types of testing kits available on the market for both home and professional use.
Depending on the analysis or test result, you can choose the correct method to adjust the water settings.
In a cafe or restaurant, it may be a good idea to install a water filtration system if, for example, the water has a high level of carbonate hardness. It's also possible to filter water at home using some of the equipment in the wide range of home filter sets.
Is it worth all the effort?
It's definitely worth checking the quality of your brewing water. It's also worth manipulating the water a bit to achieve a more balanced cup of coffee .
As you can see, something as basic as water can have a huge impact on the quality of your homemade cup of coffee.