Crystaline, Evian, Volvic … Do bottled waters really have a different taste depending on the brand or is it only an impression?
On the shelves of supermarkets, Cristaline, Vittel, Evian or Volvic … the choice is numerous. Everyone swears to recognize “their” marks, others say that all bottles are worth.
To decide, Yvan Altchenko, teacher-researcher at Agroparis Tech, recalls in the columns of HuffPost that Differences in taste are indeed real. “” It would be totally wrong to say no. Waters all have a different taste, linked to minerals who are present in He explains.
Ces nuances are born from the ground in which water circulates before being captured. A limestone environment, like in Provence, gives a more marked and easily identifiable flavor, while the Crystalline or granite floorssuch as those of Tarn for Mont Roucous or the Massif Central for Volvic, give lighter, almost neutral waters.
That’s it mineralization which explains that a water sommelier Immediately perceive what others drink without paying attention.
Source or mineral: an essential distinction
The border between spring water and mineral water also maintains confusion. They share the same underground destiny, but differ by the stability of their composition. « Mineral water has a very stable mineral composition, initially identified as beneficial for healthand it is not treated “Explains Yvan Altchenko.
Conversely, spring water can experience slight variations and undergo minimal treatment. Certain mineral waters go even further: very rich in certain components, such as Hépar and its sulfates, they are similar to “therapeutic” waters which do not enter the Definition of drinking water.
Because potability remains the keystone of regulation. « It is water that one can consume all your life, in sufficient quantity, without it not causes a medical problem “Indicates the expert.
However, certain waters too much in minerals should only be considered punctually, such as a Targeted support for the organizationand not as a daily drink. This is what distinguishes classic table water from these more specific products, sometimes consumer.
Bottle or tap: a matter of taste
To this dimension is added that of conservation. Hermetically closed water does not expire in the strict sense, but the container can alter its quality.
« Water that has remained Stored for several monthsit may not be very good to drink it. Because the plastic bottle, it deteriorates over time and, depending on the conservation conditions, releases microplastic particles Share the specialist.
Hence the presence of a Optimal deadline for : after this deadline, the health risk remains low, but the taste can alter If the bottle has been exposed to heat or light.
Finally, remains the comparison with tap water, eternal subject of debate. « Whatever you say, in France tap water is sure. We talk a lot about accidents, but in the vast majority of cases, the‘Water is of good quality. And it will only be distributed if it meets potability standards. It is also the most controlled food in France. »
What if a chlorine taste You disturb, a simple tip is enough: let the water stand for a few hours in the open air or in the refrigerator, while the chlorine emerges. Proof that, bottle or taptaste remains a matter of context, minerals … and sometimes patience.
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