The taste and mouthfeel of minerals
Below is a list of some of the minerals that are in water, their taste and the mouthfeel they give. The tastes and mouthfeel help to influence the taste of food, wine, coffee, tea and a number of other drinks and foods.
It is important to note that taste and feeling vary greatly, depending on the amount of the substance.
As mentioned earlier, people taste things differently, so the following is an expression of what most people express to feel and taste. If you have another experience of tastes or feelings, then please get in touch with me. I am always interested in hearing about people’s personal experiences of taste and mouthfeel. You can contact me via the contact form here or by email to the address mentioned at the bottom of the website.
Cations
| Substance | Formula | Taste/mouthfeel | Threshold |
| Sodium | Na+ | Tastes salty | 200 mg/l |
| Calcium | Ca2+ | No taste, but gives dryness in the oral cavity | 150 mg/l |
| Magnesium | Mg2+ | Tastes bitter | 50 mg/l |
Compounds
| Substance | Formula | Taste/mountfeel | Threshold |
| Sodium Chlorid | NaCl | Tastes salty | 150 mg/l |
| Calcium Chlorid | CaCl2 | Tastes a bit salty and bitter, gives a dry feeling in the oral cavity | 150 mg/l |
| Magnesium Chlorid | MgCl2 | Gives a light bitter and light sweet taste | 150 mg/l |
| Sodium Sulfat | Na2SO4 | Tastes salty | 220 mg/l |
| Sodium Bicarbonate | NaHCO3 | Tastes salty | 420 mg/l |
| Sodiumcarbonat | Na₂CO₃. | Tastes a bit salty | 20 mg/l |
| Calcium Sulfat | CaSO4 | Tastes a bit salty and bitter. Gives dryness and feeling of coating in the oral cavity. | 150 mg/l |
| Calciumcarbonate | CaCO₃ | Tastes a bit bitter. Gives a dry feeling in oral cavity | 150 mg/l |
| Magnesium Sulfat | MgSO4 | Tastes a bit bitter and sweet | 50 mg/l |
Other minerals
| Substance | Formula | Taste/mouthfeel |
| Potassium | K | Tastes a bit like coconut water |
| Silica | SiO2 | Gives and oily coating feel to the oral cavity |
| Carbonic Acid | H2CO3 | Gives a sours taste and a tingling mounthfeel |
Gourmet water
The gourmet concept is not only reserved for food, wine, coffee, licorice, etc. There is also gourmet water, which, due to its taste and history, can help lift the overall taste experience.
Read more here.
Classification
As with wine, there are different classifications. There are also classifications of the mineral content and the carbon dioxide content, both of which are important for the taste experience.
Read more here.
Taste and senses
How do we perceive taste? What affects the overall taste? Read about our five senses and why they all influence the taste. Learn about mouthfeel, which is very important for the taste of water.
Read more here.
The flavor of water
It’s the minerals in water that contribute to the taste, but the mouthfeel plays a major role. Read about which minerals are in the water, how they affect the taste, and how carbon dioxide affects the taste.
Read more here.
Water tasting
Can you taste the difference? Which water to Use? Without carbonation or with carbonation? What influence do the glasses have on what you drink? In what order should you taste the water?
Read more here.
Gastronomy
The wrong water with food or wine can disturb or completely destroy the taste experience. Which factors in the water have influence and how do you pair water with food and wine?
Read more here.
My name is Carsten Skov, and I am the first Dane to have completed the education as a water sommelier at Doemen’s Academy in Germany, which is an old well established educational institution in the field of sensory training.
If you have any questions or comments, please write to me at cph@smagenafvand.dk
