Which water is best for coffee? Here's a guide to choosing the best one.
Let's dispel myths and taboos about the best water for making coffee.
What determines the flavor of coffee ? Obviously, it depends on the type of blend selected. Every palate has its own preferences; you can choose a blend with sweet notes or a more full-bodied and strong one, as long as it's of high quality: the beans must be perfectly roasted, ground, and stored. But the essential element to enhance the raw material is water . Whether made with a moka pot or a pod or capsule machine, water must have certain characteristics . Let's explore them together:
Coffee and sparkling water: yes or no?
You've probably read or heard that adding a small glass of sparkling water to the machine's tank will make for a creamier, fuller-bodied coffee . This is false. The coffee won't be as smooth as the carbon dioxide bubbles. The only certainty about using sparkling water is that it will build up more limescale in your coffee machine.
Can you use distilled water to make coffee?
A similar argument can be made for distilled water . This is another urban legend. The right amount of minerals actually contributes to giving the drink its unique flavor . It doesn't have to have zero values; it must be pure and light.
The best water for making coffee: mineral water
So , what's the best water to choose for your coffee? Here's the answer: bottled natural mineral water, no matter the brand; the kind found in supermarkets is more than perfect. We can't say which mineral water is best; it's not easy to determine. But we do know that water with average hardness (chemical elements) is the best solution. A moderately high fixed residue and the right amount of minerals ensure a long life for your coffee maker and a tasty, creamy, and fragrant cup.
The Scaa, Specialty Coffee Association of America, identifies these ideal values:
- Fixed residue 75/250mg/l
- Ph6.5/7.5
- Calcium 17/85 mg/l
- Sodium<10mg/l
Obviously, it is also important to always make sure to keep the tank clean , empty it and add clean water if you do not use the machine for a few days. In the case of the moka , however, there is a detail to observe: the water in the boiler must reach, and never exceed, the level
of the safety valve.
The tap water at home?
It's fine if you have a purifier and are familiar with its characteristics. But since it varies greatly from place to place, it's not always possible to keep it under control. Therefore, of all waters, it's the least recommended.