What makes carbonated water? How to make your own carbonated water?
We have seen that drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day is essential to optimum health. We have also seen that many people prefer to drink water that has some type of flavor added to it. Carbonation has opened up a whole new arena of drinking liquids to satisfy almost every taste. It is the process of dissolving carbon dioxide to form carbonic acid which gives a slight burning sensation when we drink a can of soda, for instance.
Seltzer, sparkling water are other names for water that has been infused with carbon dioxide to give it its effervescent quality. The gas, or fizz, that is released manifests itself in the bubbles we see in the soda or when we pop the cork of a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine. It also makes a fizzy sound that excites the senses of champagne and beer drinkers.
An interesting observation came up when researching articles on carbonation. It is said that all carbonated beverages are not created equal. Some may have more carbon dioxide added, depending on the result that is required. CO2 is toxic in higher concentrations: 1% (10,000 ppm) will make some people feel drowsy. Concentrations of 7% to 10% cause dizziness, headache, visual and hearing dysfunction, and unconsciousness within a few minutes to an hour.
Introducing carbon dioxide (CO2) into a beverage increases its weight. This can be proven by weighing a bottle of seltzer, then carefully removing the cap so that no liquid escapes. Weigh the bottle again after the gas has been released. There will be a significant decrease in the weight. Shaking the bottle while closed then opening it to release more CO2 will show an even greater reduction in its weight. Is this the reason that regular intake of these drinks contributes to obesity?
Club soda is a type of carbonated water of identical composition or it may contain additional amounts of table salt and other minerals. These additives are put in to imitate the taste of homemade soda water. Carbonated water is believed to contain high amounts of sodium, but this is not true. It is simply water to which carbon dioxide and nothing else has been added. Carbonated water can be used as a mixer for alcoholic beverages or can be drunk on its own as a thirst quencher.
ABOUT CARBONATED WATER
You can make your own homemade brand of carbonated water with a home carbonating machine or a soda siphon. Fill the bottle with water, put the lid on, then attach it to a small cylinder of CO2, sometimes called a “charger”. Be careful to use only food grade cylinders as other types may have lubricants in them. Screw the cylinder on until it is pierced, releasing the CO2 into it. Then shake the bottle. Once you are satisfied with your homemade carbonated water you might want to go a step further and add fruit flavors from allfreightfree.com to enhance the flavor of your drink.