Abu Dhabi – Qahwa World
As part of the Qahwa World Talks series held on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Food Week 2025, German water expert and hospitality professional Matthias Kuhn, from Hamburg, revealed one of the most overlooked elements in the world of coffee: water.
“When you look at a cup of coffee, 98% of it is water, and the quality of that water determines the quality of the coffee’s taste,” Kuhn said.
The True Foundation of Coffee
Kuhn emphasised that great coffee starts with what he calls “empty water”, meaning water that contains as few minerals and dissolved substances as possible.
“If the water is already full of minerals,” he explained, “it won’t be able to extract the flavours from the ground coffee properly. Think of it like a crowded metro train with no space for new passengers.”
He advised consumers to check the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level printed on bottled water labels, noting that the lower the number, the purer the water.
He added, “Mineral water isn’t as beneficial as people think. The minerals in it are too large for your body to absorb. Get your minerals from fresh fruits and vegetables, not from water.”
The Role of Temperature
Kuhn pointed out that water temperature plays a vital role in the extraction process. For manual brewing methods such as the V60, he said, the ideal temperature is around 96°C, warning that overly hot water can burn the coffee, especially in pressurised machines.
Water: The Secret to Winning Championships
Speaking about coffee competitions such as the AeroPress Championship, Kuhn made a striking observation: “You can win a championship simply by choosing the right water,” he said. “Water isn’t just an ingredient; it’s a decisive factor in performance.”
Health and Sustainability
Kuhn cautioned against using plastic bottles, explaining that water can absorb microplastics over time.
“Those who drink bottled water regularly consume the equivalent of one credit card’s worth of plastic every month,” he said.
He recommended using glass bottles and home filtration systems such as reverse osmosis to achieve cleaner, healthier water that enhances flavor and supports well-being.
Advice for Consumers and Coffee Professionals
For everyday coffee drinkers, Kuhn advised, “Invest in a good water filtration device. It will save you money, protect your health, and bring out the best in your coffee.”
For coffee professionals, his advice was equally clear: “Educate your customers and baristas about the importance of water. Even the finest beans and the best roasting lose their value if the wrong water is used.”
Kuhn concluded his talk by saying, “Water isn’t just a carrier; it’s the soul of coffee. When you combine excellent coffee with pure water, you’ll always have an exceptional cup.”
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