Boiled water is water that has had heat applied to it until it has been boiled for a varying period of time. As water boils, gases are driven out of it, including oxygen. This is why tea purists always insist on boiling freshly drawn water, rather than water which has been boiled over and over…
Water
Carbonated Water
Carbonated water is water that contains a high amount of carbon dioxide in it, CO2, which makes the water bubbly and gives it a tangy taste. It is also known as Seltzer Water. Some artificially carbonated water is perceived by some people as being high in sodium. But, it shouldn’t be: Carbonated water is not…
Distilled Water
Distilled water is tap water that is processed to remove almost all sodium and minerals in the water. Consequently, it has almost no taste. To make it, water is boiled. The steam is collected, and allowed to condense back into water. The steam leaves everything else behind. Even helpful minerals such as calcium are removed….
Fontinalia
The 13th of October was the Roman holiday of Fontinalia, celebrating “Fontus”, who was a god of water springs. The day was observed by repairing and decorating water fountains.
Ground Water
Ground water comes from rain water, melting snow or water run-off provided by irrigation seeping into the ground. Some of it will be taken up by plant roots. The rest will seep deeper into the ground, sometimes aided by cracks and crevices or empty spaces between rocks. It doesn’t actually flow as huge rivers underground;…
Ice
Ice is used in cooking mostly to chill things, though some entire dishes, such as Japanese Shaved Ice desserts, can use it as the main ingredient. In the food processing industry, it’s used a great deal to keep temperatures down to levels appropriate for safe handling. It’s only pretty recently, though, that we’ve had the…
Mineral Water
Mineral water is water that is sold in bottles at a premium over regular water. In consumers’ minds, mineral water contains enough minerals to change the taste of the water, and to possibly have some health benefits, even if it is just settling an overfed tummy. Mineral waters are drawn, at least in theory, from…
Rolling Boil
Rolling Boil © Randal Oulton Rolling Boil is a term that describes one of the stages encountered when boiling a pot or kettle of liquid — usually water. When being boiled, water will reach a stage where it has started to produce bubbles that make it look like it is boiling, but if you stir…
Soda Water
Soda Water is carbonated water with a small amount of sodium bicarbonate (aka Baking Soda) in it. It is not the same as plain carbonated water because of this addition. It is saltier tasting than most sparkling (aka carbonated) mineral waters. Because of the sodium bicarbonate in it, people often drink it to relieve mild…
Spring Water
Spring sater is ground-water that comes from surface springs, rather than coming from underground springs. It may have some minerals in it, but not enough to give it a taste that make people think of it as mineral water. It is usually very clear water, but some may be reddish. The use of the term…
Sterilized Water
Sterilized sater is water that has been sterilized, to ensure an absence of any bacteria in the water. It is used for mixing infant formula for babies, for people with compromised immune systems, and to dilute or dissolve water soluble drugs for injections. The definition of Sterilized Water (aka Sterile Water) in America is defined…
Still Water
Still water is water that doesn’t have any fizz to it. It may be tap water, may be bottled water, it may be spring and / or mineral water. The opposite category is sparkling aka carbonated water. Still water in bottles has been increasing in popularity over sparkling water. It’s seen as a healthier alternative…
Well Water
Well water is water drawn up from the ground. Wells are dug, driven or drilled into the ground to tap into an aquifer. Water drawn up from the ground provides about 20% of the fresh water used in the United States. There are over 15 million private wells in America, supplying water for around 40…
World Water Day
The 22nd of March is World Water Day. We take it for granted in the kitchen, but potable water is the number one ingredient in preparing and cooking food.