What's the Best Water for Coffee: Everything You Need to Know
For coffee lovers, the quality of water used in brewing a cup of coffee can make a significant difference in the taste and aroma. While water may seem like a simple ingredient, it is, in fact, a critical component in making excellent coffee. To help you understand this better, we will be exploring the best water for coffee, as well as everything you need to know to achieve the perfect cup.
Why is Water Quality Important?
Water is the primary ingredient in coffee, making up about 98% of the final cup. The quality and composition of water can affect the taste, aroma, and overall quality of coffee. Various factors such as pH, temperature, total dissolved solids, and mineral content can affect the flavour and quality of coffee.
Water with a high mineral content can result in a harsh and bitter taste, whereas low mineral content can result in a flat and dull taste. This is why it's essential to understand the best water for coffee to achieve the desired taste and aroma.
What's the Best Water for Coffee?
The ideal water for coffee should have a balanced pH level, low mineral content, and optimum temperature. The following are some of the best water for coffee:
1. Filtered Water
Filtered water is one of the best options for brewing coffee. It is free from chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities that can affect the taste of coffee. It is essential to use a high-quality water filtration system to ensure that the water is adequately filtered.
2. Reverse Osmosis Water
Reverse osmosis water is another excellent option for brewing coffee. The filtration process removes impurities and minerals, resulting in a clean and crisp taste. However, reverse osmosis water lacks minerals that are essential for the extraction of coffee flavours. If you insist on using reverse osmosis water, we suggest mixing it with mineral-rich water to achieve a more balanced taste.
3. Spring Water
Spring water is a natural source of water that is rich in minerals. It is an excellent option for brewing coffee as it adds a unique flavour and aroma to the coffee. With that being said, the quality of spring water can vary depending on the source. To avoid any issues, it is essential to choose a high-quality spring water that is free from contaminants.
4. Distilled Water
Distilled water is free from minerals and impurities, making it an excellent option for brewing coffee. However, it lacks the essential minerals required to get the most flavours from a cup of coffee.
What Temperature Should the Water Be?
The temperature of the water used in brewing coffee is also critical. The ideal water temperature for brewing coffee is between 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C). Water that is too hot can result in a burnt and bitter taste, whereas water that is too cold can result in a weak and under-extracted coffee.
How Does Total Dissolved Solids Play Into Making Coffee?
Total dissolved solids (TDS) refer to the amount of minerals and other impurities present in water. The ideal TDS for brewing coffee is between 150 to 300 parts per million (ppm). Water with a low TDS can result in a flat and dull taste, whereas water with a high TDS can result in a harsh and bitter taste.
What's the Optimal pH Level for Water?
The pH level of water can also affect the taste of coffee. The ideal pH level for brewing coffee is between 6.5 to 7.5. Water with a high pH level can result in a bitter taste, whereas water with a low pH level can result in a sour taste.
Conclusion
We hope this discussion has helped you gain a better understanding of the importance of water when making coffee and how to choose the best water for brewing coffee. By understanding the best water for coffee, coffee lovers can enhance their coffee brewing experience and enjoy a perfect cup of coffee every time.
Looking for coffee wholesalers in the UK? Triple Eights Coffee is the UK’s first choice providers of Nitrous Oxide Cylinder Tanks such as Smartwhip, Cream Chargers such as Mosa, CO2 Soda Cartridges and Coffee Products. We are dedicated to providing exceptional products and services to restaurants, chefs, home bakers, bars, cafes, and catering businesses. For more information, reach out to us today!