Soda Water Explained
When carbon dioxide gas has been added to water, it is said to be carbonated; soda water is carbonated water, and sometimes referred to as sparkling water. Most “soft drinks” and “pop” include It as the primary ingredient. Carbonic acid — soda pop — results from the process of carbonation.
Soda water is also known as club soda; it can be produced at home by using a seltzer bottle filled with water and then “charged” with carbon dioxide. Club soda can be the same as plain carbonated water; however, it is possible for small amounts of table salts and sodium trace minerals to be present. These additives could make the taste of home made slightly salty. In many areas this process is a natural occurence and produces carbonated mineral water.
Sparkling mineral water sometimes causes a little dental decay. Sparkling water’s potential affects on dental problems are somewhat greater than with normal water, but not dramatically so. Tooth decay occurs at a much higher rate for users of regular soft drinks versus users of sparkling water. Dental decay may, in fact, not be greatly affected by carbonated drinks since the rate is so low.
Ground waters, usually from artesian wells, often absorb carbon dioxide gases while filtering through layers of ground minerals containing various forms of carbonates. This water is known as natural sparkling water. If, during filtration, the water picks up enough different minerals to add a flavor to the water, it becomes sparkling mineral water.
Basically, soda water is just water and carbon dioxide. Sparkling mineral water is a naturally-occuring product of carbonation. A notable date in soda water history is 1794, when a jeweler made a device to produce artificial carbonated mineral water.
A taste test was conducted involving several carbonated drinks; Perrier, a sparkling natural mineral water, was deemed to keep its fizz the longest.
For consumers who believe seltzer to be a bit harsh, club soda offers an alternative, with a gentle fizz. In one part of the taste test, club soda seemed to be milder and a little sweeter tasting than standard carbonated water.
Because club soda, sparkling mineral water, seltzer, and carbonated water do not have any calories, this makes them a dieter’s choice over soda pop and tonic water.
A type of carbonated drink that contains water, sugar, carbon dioxide and quinine is called tonic water. Originally, quinine was added to tonic water to help cure or prevent malaria. Today it is often used as a mixer with gin and lemon or lime for an alcoholic drink.
These are some of the basic facts about soda water.
Posted
on Friday, October 17th, 2008 at 1:38 pm and is filed under Cooking Light.
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