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Natural vs. Artificial: How Are Carbonated Water Made Different?
Carbonated water, as the name implies, is water that contains dissolved carbon dioxide gas, which may be artificially injected or produced by natural geological processes. This injection of gas causes small bubbles to form in the water, giving it its notable bubbling feel. Common forms of carbonated water include natural sparkling mineral water, club soda, and commercially produced sparkling water.
Club soda water, sparkling mineral water and some other sparkling waters often contain auxiliary minerals such as potassium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium citrate or potassium sulfate. These substances are not only present in some mineral waters, but are also often artificially Added to mimic natural flavors.
The production process of carbonated water can be divided into two categories: natural and artificial. The formation of natural carbonated water mainly depends on the geological characteristics of the water source. For example, the self-sprinkling water in Michalkovo, Bulgaria, Megitlia, North Macedonia, and Setes in the Taunus Mountains in Germany are all made of Natural carbonation caused by carbon dioxide in underground rocks. This gives naturally carbonated water its unique taste and mineral composition.
In contrast, artificially carbonated water is usually made by injecting carbon dioxide gas into regular water at high pressure. This process allows for solubility of carbon dioxide that is not achievable at standard atmospheric pressure. When the bottle's pressure is released, the carbon dioxide comes out of solution, creating the characteristic bubbles that make carbonated water even more refreshing and delicious.
The process began in the eighteenth century, with William Brownrigg first beginning in the 1740s, when he successfully extracted carbon dioxide gas from mines and injected it into water. Joseph Priestley accidentally discovered a method of combining water and carbon dioxide gas in 1767, which eventually paved the way for the industrial production of carbonated water.
Priestley's discovery gave rise to the soft drinks industry, although he did not initially profit from it commercially. In addition, the world's first factory dedicated to the production of artificial mineral water was established by Thomas Henry in Manchester, England in 1781, which opened a new chapter in the large-scale production of carbonated water.
Ingredient Differences
There are certain differences between natural and artificial carbonated water in terms of ingredients. Natural carbonated water usually has beneficial minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, etc., while artificially carbonated water may have some flavorings or spices added according to the manufacturer's needs and market demand. The purpose of these additions is to adapt to current consumer tastes while mitigating the acidity created by the carbon dioxide.
Studies have shown that although the acidity of carbonated water itself has little impact on health, long-term consumption of carbonated drinks with high acidity may cause certain wear and tear on teeth.
In addition, many commercially produced carbonated waters are made with a pH between 5 and 6, which is similar to the acidity of apple and orange juices but much lower than the acidity in the stomach. . In some countries, carbonated water is considered a food with minimal nutritional value, which is why many restaurants and cafes choose to use pure carbonated water as the base for their drinks.
Technological progress
With the advancement of technology, modern carbonated water production is becoming increasingly diverse. Many households are now also starting to make their own carbonated water using dedicated carbonation machines, which utilize reusable CO2 canisters and allow users to easily inject CO2 into water to create personalized drinks.
Brands such as SodaStream have become symbols of home carbonated water, making carbonated water no longer just a commercial product but entering the daily life of every family. This trend undoubtedly allows more and more people to enjoy the fun of making their own carbonated water.
Health and flavor
Regarding health, ordinary carbonated water has little impact on health, but according to some studies, a moderate amount of carbonated water may help improve constipation. Additionally, carbonated water’s refreshing taste and unique fizz make it an ideal choice for many beverages. Whether consumed on its own or as a base for a cocktail, carbonated water provides an unforgettable drinking experience.
Therefore, for modern people, choosing carbonated water is undoubtedly a healthy lifestyle, but the correct choice of natural or artificially produced carbonated water will affect the drinker's drinking experience and contribution to health.
Between natural and artificial carbonated water, each has its own unique flavor and value. How will you choose this refreshing drink in the future?
