Experts used computer modelling to examine how much of an impact different types of water had on the flavour of the coffee. The answer? Well, a lot, with a certain type of reasonably hard water topping the taste charts.
What is hard water? It's water with a high mineral content, so now you know. Hard water with high levels of sodium (which you'd get if you use water softeners) gets nil points for coffee-making according to chemist Christopher Hendon from the University of Bath. So what sort of water do you want for the very best coffee?
“Coffee beans contain hundreds of chemicals; the precise composition depends on the type of bean and how it is roasted," Hendon told the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry.
"The flavour of the resulting coffee is determined by how much these chemicals are extracted by the water, which is influenced by roast profile, grind, temperature, pressure and brew time.
"Hard water is generally considered to be bad for coffee, but we found it was the type of hardness that mattered – while high bicarbonate levels are bad, high magnesium ion levels increase the extraction of coffee into water and improve the taste."
So there you go. If you live in an area with the right sort of hard water your coffee will taste gooood. Enjoy!
Words and picture above from original article here
... now how about a lovely slice of Black Forest Gateau to go with your cup of coffee - here is the low carb recipe idea.
Ingredients:
100g ground almonds
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon of melted butter
2 tablespoons of double cream
2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
100 grams of pitted black cherries
Method:
Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.
Melt the butter I used a Pyrex jug, add the eggs, cream, then add the dry ingredients and mix. Pour into a 6" microwave proof dish. Microwave in a 700watt for 3 minutes. Allow to cool and cut in half. Spread on extra thick cream and 100 grams of pitted black cherries. Serves 6.
Sounds time to take a coffee break I think !
All the best Jan
8 comments:
I remember black forest gateau always being on the menu when we attended events in the 70's and 80's, it seemed very exotic, chocolate with cherries. It's still a winning combination though, the chocolate cherry bomb which Mick chose as a treat recently reminded him of black forest gateau.
Coffee and cake - must remember that for elevenses tomorrow.
Ben
Hello Jo - many thanks for your comment. Yes, I think Black forest Gateaux seemed to come to the fore back in the 70's / 80's. I still enjoy it now but have the low carb version. But isn't fresh cream great with berries? My favourite's are the lower carb variety like raspberries and strawberries.
It's Wimbledon soon and that always means strawberries!
All the best Jan
Hello Ben - many thanks for your comment.
Tea or coffee is great for elevenses but always go for the low carb variety of cake ... especially if you are a diabetic.
All the best Jan
wow, this article was interesting to me cause I really love a good cup of coffee. I wasn't aware about the hard water. I only have coffee about three times a week, and tomorrow is my coffee day yaaay! Those desserts look scrumptious.
Have a terrific week, Jam.
~Sheri
Hello Sheri - many thanks for your comments.
It is interesting how water can affect the taste of coffee (and no doubt tea) which may explain that sometimes when visiting friends / relations their coffee may taste different ... it's the water!
Enjoy your coffee day tomorrow Sheri ...
All the best Jan
Looks yummy! I used to love chocolate covered cherries. So decadent.....
thank you so much for sharing the delicious recipe
just LOVED IT!!!
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