Mastering Water: The Hidden Key to Better Coffee

Dubai – qahwa World

Last week, Aquaphor UAE, in collaboration with Scarab • Café & Roastery, hosted its first-ever professional training seminar in the UAE, titled “The Secret Ingredient Water Seminar with Aquaphor x Victoria Arduino.” The seminar shone a spotlight on the often-overlooked hero of every cup—water—and explored how mastering it can elevate coffee brewing, flavor, and machine longevity.

The seminar featured Maxim Tubelsky, Head of Global Sales at Aquaphor Professional, as the guest speaker. With 17 years of experience in water treatment and a passion for coffee, Tubelsky revealed that water is not just an ingredient—it is a dynamic factor that shapes the extraction, taste, and consistency of every cup.

Tubelsky explained that water chemistry affects coffee at multiple levels:

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): The concentration of minerals and salts in water influences how flavor compounds are extracted. The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) recommends TDS between 75–150 ppm for optimal extraction.

pH and Alkalinity: The acidity or alkalinity of water impacts equipment longevity and flavor balance, with an ideal feed-water pH range of 6.5–8.0.

Hardness: Dissolved calcium and magnesium contribute to scale formation, affecting machine performance and espresso quality.

He emphasized that even slight deviations in water parameters can shift flavor from sour to bitter, highlighting the need for precise control in professional coffee environments.

Impact on Coffee Equipment:

Tubelsky also addressed how water quality directly affects professional coffee machines. Poor water can lead to scale buildup, overheating, reduced efficiency, corrosion, and costly repairs. He underscored that manufacturer warranties do not cover failures caused by substandard water, making proper treatment critical for cafés and roasters.

Water Treatment Solutions for Coffee Professionals:

The seminar introduced practical water treatment technologies:

Micronic Filtration: Removes suspended solids such as sand and rust.

Activated Carbon Absorption: Eliminates chlorine and odors for clean taste.

Ion Exchange: Softens water by replacing hardness ions with sodium.

Reverse Osmosis (RO): Delivers purified, low-mineral water, with optional remineralization for optimal extraction.

Tubelsky stressed that RO systems combined with carbon filtration and pre-filters offer the most reliable solution for consistency in taste and machine protection.

Game-Changing Takeaways:

Attendees left the seminar with a deeper understanding of how water chemistry interacts with coffee extraction, flavor, and brewing techniques. The discussions encouraged baristas, roasters, and café owners to evolve their brewing practices alongside changing water profiles—ensuring every cup meets the highest standards of taste and quality.

The Secret Ingredient Water Seminar demonstrated that mastering water is no longer optional for serious coffee professionals—it is essential. As cafés in the UAE continue to raise the bar in specialty brewing, initiatives like this one by Aquaphor UAE and Scarab • Café & Roastery provide the knowledge and tools to transform ordinary coffee into extraordinary experiences.

About Aquaphor UAE:

Aquaphor UAE is a leader in advanced water filtration solutions for homes and businesses. With a mission to deliver the highest quality water to everyone, the company continuously develops innovative technologies to address modern water challenges. Aquaphor’s proprietary systems, including Isotropic Adsorption Matrix (IAM), Aqualen fibers, Click and Turn cartridges, and Reverse Osmosis solutions, ensure clean, safe, and great-tasting water. Combining scientific research, ergonomic design, and real-world effectiveness, Aquaphor provides reliable and efficient purification, protecting both health and coffee equipment while enhancing the overall beverage experience.

About Scarab Café & Roastery:

Scarab Café & Roastery believes in the power of coffee to awaken the senses, inspire reflection, and foster meaningful connections. Committed to crafting exceptional coffee experiences, Scarab combines expert roasting, innovative brewing techniques, and a passion for quality, creating a space where every cup tells a story and every visit becomes a memorable moment.

 

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