Coffee Water Chemistry: Don't Miss this Important Step

We all know fresh, high-quality roasted coffee beans are crucial for a delicious cup. But what you might not realize is that water quality plays an equally important role. Water makes up 90% of a brewed cup, and its mineral composition significantly impacts the taste and extraction of your coffee. Delving into the science of coffee water chemistry can elevate your brewing game and unlock the full potential of your favorite beans.

Minerals and Extraction: Minerals like calcium and magnesium can enhance coffee's flavor, while too much can lead to bitterness. Conversely, soft water lacking minerals can result in a weak, under-extracted cup.

Water Hardness: Hard water is high in dissolved minerals, while soft water has low mineral content. Ideally, aim for slightly hard water for optimal extraction.

pH Level: Water with a slightly acidic pH (around 6-8) is ideal for coffee brewing. Very acidic or alkaline water can alter flavor and extraction.

Know Your Tap Water: Test your tap water's hardness and pH using readily available test kits. A cheap solution is any aquarium water testing kit.

Filtering for Better Coffee: Consider using a good quality water filter specifically designed for coffee brewing. You can find filter jugs online, ranging from $18 to $40, depending on what features you’re looking for. Your coffee water chemistry journey could start with a filter that gets you clean, distilled water that you then add minerals back into under your control.

For coffee aficionados, there are even more ways to fine-tune water chemistry. You can either carefully create the perfect water at home, or you can find “coffee water mineral packs” online for sale. It’s important to understand what’s in these ready-made kits, and what your goals should be for the perfect coffee water.

One of the most important parts in these kits is the calcium level. A pinch of calcium can make a big difference in flavor for soft water. The Specialty Coffee Association recommends a calcium hardness of 50-175 ppm CaCO3, and a carbonate hardness between 40 and 75ppm.

By paying attention to water quality, you can ensure your brewing process isn't hindered by subpar H2O. Experiment with filtration methods and explore water chemistry to discover the perfect balance for your taste preferences. Remember, using fresh, specialty roasted coffee beans is still key! Explore our selection of single-origin specialty coffee, roasted to perfection to pair beautifully with your optimized brewing water.