Coffee, that drink that wakes us up in the morning and keeps us alert throughout the day, is a complex mix of flavors and aromas that depend on a variety of factors. One of these factors, often overlooked, is water. In this article, we will explore the impact of water impurities on coffee flavor, based on the findings presented in the "SCA Water Quality Handbook."
Water is the main component of coffee, making up up to 98% of your cup. But it is not only the quantity of water that matters, but also its quality. According to a study conducted by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), water quality can have a significant impact on the flavor of coffee. In fact, the difference between a 'good' coffee and an 'excellent' one can depend on the quality of the water used for its preparation.
So what makes 'good quality' water? According to the SCA, there are three key parameters that must be measured to determine water quality: total hardness, alkalinity, and electrical conductivity.
Total hardness refers to the amount of minerals dissolved in the water, mainly calcium and magnesium. These minerals can affect the extraction of coffee flavors during brewing. For example, water with high hardness can extract more flavors and result in stronger coffee.
Alkalinity, on the other hand, refers to water's ability to neutralize acids. In the context of coffee, high alkalinity can decrease the perceived acidity of the coffee, which can result in a milder tasting coffee.
Finally, electrical conductivity is a measure of the amount of salts dissolved in water. Although it is not a parameter directly related to the flavor of coffee, it can be useful to verify the stability of tap water and treated water.
So how are these parameters measured? Total hardness and alkalinity can be measured using a method called titration, which involves adding a test solution to a water sample and counting the number of drops needed to obtain a specific color change. Electrical conductivity, on the other hand, can be measured simply by using a measuring device on a water sample.
But why is all this important? Well, it turns out that water quality can have a significant impact on the taste of coffee. For example, water with high hardness can extract more flavors and result in stronger coffee. On the other hand, water with high alkalinity can decrease the perceived acidity of the coffee, which can result in a milder tasting coffee.
Additionally, water quality can also affect the lifespan of your coffee machine. For example, water with high hardness can cause scale to form in your coffee machine, which can affect its performance and shorten its lifespan. Therefore, proper water treatment can not only improve the taste of your coffee, but also protect your investment in coffee equipment.
But how can we improve the quality of our water? This is where water treatment techniques come into play. These techniques can range from simple water filters to more advanced reverse osmosis systems. Choosing the appropriate water treatment system will depend on the initial quality of the water and the results you want to obtain.
For example, if your water has a very high hardness, you may want to consider a water softening system to reduce the amount of dissolved minerals. On the other hand, if your water has very high alkalinity, you may need a system that can reduce the water's ability to neutralize acids.
In addition to improving the flavor of your coffee and protecting your equipment, proper water treatment can also have environmental benefits. By reducing the amount of minerals dissolved in the water, we can minimize the amount of scale that forms in our coffee machines and therefore reduce the need for frequent and potentially harmful cleaning.
Ultimately, water quality is just one piece of the puzzle in coffee brewing. Other factors, such as the quality of the coffee beans, the brewing method, and the skill of the barista, also play a crucial role. However, by understanding the importance of water quality and how to measure it, we can take one step closer to creating the perfect cup of coffee.
So, the next time you make a cup of coffee, remember: it's not just the bean, but also the water, that makes your coffee truly special. And if you're looking to improve your coffee even further, consider investing in a water treatment system. Not only will it improve the flavor of your coffee, it will also protect your equipment and might even have environmental benefits. So why not give it a try? After all, a great cup of coffee can be as simple as a glass of high-quality water.