There’s nothing quite like the moment you take your first sip of a perfectly brewed cup of coffee at a cafe. It’s the warm hug of aroma and rich flavour that brightens your day. But here’s the catch: that delightful experience doesn’t just happen by chance.
Ever tried to recreate that café experience at home, only to be greeted by a cup that tastes more like dishwater than the dreamy brew you had in mind? You adjust the grind, switch up the brew time, and maybe even throw in a cheeky motivational “you’ve got this!” pep talk, but somehow, it’s still not quite right. What gives?
The truth is, while your coffee beans deserve some credit, the real MVP of your morning cup is the water you’re using. If you’ve been relying on tap water, you might be unknowingly ruining your coffee’s potential. It’s time to change that!
Why Does Coffee Taste Better at the Café?
When you sip a cup of coffee at your local café, it’s not just the beans or the barista’s skills at play. The water they use is often filtered to make the flavour shine, free from chlorine and other impurities that can muddy the taste. On the flip side, your tap water can be a mixed bag of minerals, chemicals, and gases—none of which do your coffee any favours.
To understand why water quality matters so much, consider this: your cup of coffee is about 98.75% water. That means the water you use plays a huge role in how your coffee tastes. Using high-quality filtered water can turn an ordinary cup into something special—like swapping out a plain potato for a fluffy baked one!
Hard Water vs Soft Water: Which One Ruins Your Brew?
Now, let’s get technical for a moment. Many people believe hard water is the best choice because it’s rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium. And while those minerals can contribute to a well-balanced cup, hard water also comes with its drawbacks.
The problem is that hard water often contains high levels of bicarbonate, which can bring out bitter notes in your coffee. So, while you might think you’re brewing a robust cup, you might end up with something overly harsh.
On the other hand, soft water lacks the necessary minerals, resulting in a flat and boring brew. The bottom line? Neither extreme is ideal, so finding the right balance is key to brewing a delicious cup.
The Ideal Water for Brewing Coffee
According to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the best water for coffee brewing should have a balanced mineral content and be free from impurities. Here’s what to look for:
- Neutral pH: ideally around 7.
- Around 150 mg/L of total dissolved solids (TDS): This ensures the water has enough minerals to boost flavour without overwhelming the coffee.
- Free from chlorine and other odd flavours: Because nobody wants their morning cup to taste like a swimming pool!
This balance lets the coffee’s natural flavours shine through, giving you the rich, complex taste you love.
How a Quality Water Filter Can Transform Your Coffee
So, what’s the solution? Filtered water! With the Earths Water 3.5L Glass Carafe and Alkaline Water Filter Jug, you can say goodbye to poor-tasting tap water and hello to a brew that lives up to your café dreams.
Here’s why using a quality water filter can make a difference:
Removes up to 98% of Contaminants: Thanks to our proprietary COREtech™ filter technology, both the carafe and jug remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities that can spoil your coffee. Say goodbye to that strange aftertaste!
Maintains Beneficial Minerals: Not all minerals are bad! A good water filter leaves behind those essential minerals that enhance flavour while removing the harmful ones. This ensures your coffee is both delicious and complex.
No Plumbing or Electricity Needed: The beauty of our water filters is their simplicity. With no complicated plumbing or electricity required, you can enjoy clean, filtered water in minutes. Plus, the stylish borosilicate glass carafe and compact jug fit neatly into your kitchen or fridge, so you won’t have to sacrifice style for function.
Tips for Brewing the Perfect Cup
Switching to filtered water is just the beginning. Here are some tips to make your brewing experience even better:
Use the Right Amount of Coffee: Finding the perfect coffee-to-water ratio is important for a balanced brew. You can follow the Golden Ratio which is about 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 180ml of water, or you can adjust based on your preference.
Temperature Matters: The right brewing temperature is key. Aim for a range between 90°C and 96°C to avoid scorching your coffee grounds. No one wants a cup that tastes like it’s been left out in the sun for too long, right?
Clean Your Coffee Equipment: Regularly clean your coffee maker to avoid limescale build-up from unfiltered water. Using filtered water helps prevent this and ensures a clean brew every time.
Benefits of Earths Water Filters
Using our water filters not only ensures that your coffee tastes exceptional, but it also helps you save money in the long run. Why spend on bottled water when you can have fresh, filtered water at home? Our filters are designed to last, with each cartridge providing up to 350 litres of clean water. Plus, the stylish design of our filters makes them a beautiful addition to any kitchen—like a piece of art that also keeps you hydrated.
Brew Better, Feel Better
In the end, the secret to a perfect cup of coffee lies in more than just the beans; it’s about the water you use. By choosing filtered water, you’re not only enhancing the flavour of your coffee but also investing in your overall well-being. Cleaner water leads to better hydration and, let’s be honest, a happier you.
So, the next time you brew a cup, think about what’s going into it. With Earths Water’s filters at your side, you can unlock the true potential of your morning ritual. You’ll be brewing better coffee in no time, no fancy café needed. Cheers to better brews and an even better day ahead!