Sparkling water is made by adding carbon dioxide to normal water, resulting in a fizzy drink. It is not the same as mineral water, which has a higher mineral content. The carbonation process dates back to the 18th century and can be done at home or in bars and restaurants. Shaking a bottle of carbonated water is not recommended, as it can build up pressure and cause a splash when opened. While sparkling water was once used to treat stomach ailments, doctors now advise those with acid reflux to avoid it.
Sparkling water is a catchy name that sounds like something complicated to make, but this drink, also called soda water or seltzer, derives its fizzy nature from the simple process of adding carbon dioxide (CO2) in gas form to water normal, and then bottling it. The result is fizz that tickles the taste buds and makes a nice change from plain water.
Carbonated water is not always mineral water, although it is often misnamed as such. Mineral water is defined as water that contains more than 250 parts per million of a dissolved mineral source. While some mineral water may be carbonated with the addition of carbonation, the two terms are not interchangeable. All water should be considered sparkling water is carbonation.
The carbonation process of water began in the 18th century. A brewer named Joseph Priestly discovered that passing water over fermenting beer produced an interesting taste and began offering this water to his friends. Today, pressurized CO2 is forced into bottles or can be made with a soda maker at home or in bars and restaurants. Soda pop gets its spark from the same process.
In bottled water, bubbles form when the pressure is released, such as when the bottle is opened. This is also why it’s not a good idea for people to shake a bottle of carbonated water, because it builds up the pressure of the carbon dioxide. Having time to settle, it will, but a barely shaken bottle is opened, the result is a splash of water.
A recent diet soda experiment revealed that the combination of the ingredients in the Mentos candy and the aspartame in the drink causes the CO2 to become extremely reactive and rapidly shoot virtually all of the bottle’s contents into the air. This experiment may impress kids, but it’s a little messy.
Sparkling water was once celebrated as a drink to treat stomach ailments, but now most doctors are advising people with acid reflux to avoid it. However, it can be useful for calming nausea.
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