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Article: Can Water Really Change Coffee This Much? The "Right Way to Choose Water" for Delicious Coffee

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Can Water Really Change Coffee This Much? The "Right Way to Choose Water" for Delicious Coffee

pour over coffee brewing with paper filter highlighting water extraction

Does water change the taste of coffee? Let's get straight to the conclusion.

Does water change the taste of coffee?

👉 Conclusion: Yes, it does.

In fact, over 98% of coffee's composition is water,

👉 so differences in water directly affect the taste.


In particular,

  • bitterness
  • acidity
  • aroma
  • body

will show differences.


close up of coffee extraction drop showing rich flavor concentration

The taste of coffee is determined by "water."

Coffee is

👉 a beverage perfected by water, not just beans.

It is said that

no matter how good the beans are,

👉 the taste changes with the water.

It is said.


Why does water change the taste?

There are two main reasons.


■ Hardness (mineral content)

Minerals contained in water

👉 affect the extraction of coffee components.

  • Too much → stronger bitterness
  • Too little → clear and mellow


■ Extraction balance

Depending on the properties of the water,

👉 which components are extracted and how much changes.

It is said.


coffee maker with filter and ground coffee before brewing

Difference between soft and hard water (effect on coffee)

This is important👇

■ Hard water vs. Soft water

  • Hard water: bitterness and body tend to be strong
  • Soft water: clear and well-balanced

👉This is why soft water is said to be easier for Japanese people to drink.


Why is ultra-soft water suitable for coffee?

What is particularly noteworthy is

👉 ultra-soft water (water with very low hardness)

is.

Features👇

  • Less unpleasant taste
  • Enhanced aroma
  • Clear taste

👉It is thought that you can genuinely enjoy the original taste of coffee.

It is considered.


woman enjoying coffee at home representing daily coffee lifestyle

How does the taste actually change when you change the water?

When you compare drinking,

👉 you may experience the following differences:

  • Bitterness softens
  • Acidity becomes refreshing
  • Aroma stands out

👉Even with the same beans, the impression changes significantly.


Easy comparison method you can do at home

Please give it a try👇

■ Comparison method

  • Prepare the same beans
  • Change only the water (soft water/hard water)
  • Use the same brewing method

👉You will clearly notice the difference.


When using water like Onsen-sui 99

For example,

👉 Onsen-sui 99 (ultra-soft water with hardness 1.7)

When using water like,

  • Bitterness softens
  • Aroma stands out
  • Aftertaste becomes refreshing

You will easily notice such changes.


👉This is because it suppresses undesirable flavors while enhancing the taste.


woman enjoying coffee at home representing daily coffee lifestyle

"Changing the water" alone changes coffee.

Even without special equipment or beans,

👉 changing the water alone changes the experience.

  • Home coffee becomes more delicious
  • Approaches cafe-quality taste
  • Daily satisfaction increases

👉It's a very simple and effective method.


relaxed coffee drinking scene with laptop in natural light

Summary | Coffee is "completed" with water.

From now on,

👉 not just "which beans to choose," but
👉 "which water to use"

will be important.


Even with the same coffee,

👉 the taste changes with the water.


That's why,

👉choosing the right water can change the quality of coffee.

It can be said.


👉First, try changing the water once.
You'll surely notice the difference.


## Related Articles | Learn more about how taste changes with water

We explain the relationship between coffee taste and water in detail in other articles.

First,
👉 in "What is water hardness? Differences between soft and hard water," you can understand the basics of its effect on taste.

Also,
👉 "Does green tea change with water? The difference in water that brings out the umami of theanine"
👉 "Does rice change with water? The reason it cooks up fluffy"
👉 "Does dashi change with water? How to choose water to bring out the umami"

You can deepen your understanding by reading these as well.

Furthermore,
👉 please also see "Does water change this much? Differences in coffee, tea, rice, dashi, and how to choose the right water."

Read more

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