What is Gas Water? How to make Gas Water at home?
Gas Water, also known as carbonated water, soda water or sparkling water, is a beverage that has carbon dioxide (CO2) gas dissolved in water. By introducing CO2 into the water, the water becomes bubbly and has a unique, slightly sour taste. The beverage is widely consumed around the world and can be drunk alone or as a base for mixed drinks, such as cocktails or flavored water.
Gas Water's popularity stems not only from its refreshing taste, but also from its perceived healthiness. Unlike sugary carbonated drinks, Gas Water typically contains no sugar, calories or artificial additives, making it considered a healthier alternative by many consumers.
Historical Background
The history of Gas Water dates back to the 18th century, when scientists first discovered how to dissolve carbon dioxide in water. In the 1750s, English chemist Joseph Priestley first invented a device that could inject carbon dioxide gas into water to create carbonated water. This discovery spread quickly and became a fashionable drink in the 19th century.
As the Industrial Revolution progressed, the production of carbonated water became more commercialized and popular. Nowadays, Gas Water is not only ubiquitous in supermarkets and beverage stores, but has also become a common drink in restaurants, bars and homes.
What are the types of Gas Water?
There are many types of Gas Water, which can be divided into the following categories according to different bubble content, mineral composition and flavor addition:
● Plain Carbonated Water: Contains only water and carbon dioxide, without other additives.
● Sparkling Mineral Water: Natural mineral water contains dissolved carbon dioxide and may also contain natural minerals.
● Flavored Sparkling Water: Add natural or artificial flavors to carbonated water, such as lemon, orange, strawberry, etc.
● Club Soda: Add minerals such as sodium bicarbonate to carbonated water, usually used in mixed drinks.
How to make Gas Water at home?
Make Gas Water with a Sparkling Water Maker
The easiest way to make Gas Water at home is to use a commercially available Sparkling Water Maker. These devices are usually simple in design and easy to operate, suitable for home use.
Here are the steps:
1. Prepare the equipment: Purchase a water machine and CO2 cylinders, which can usually be found in most home appliance stores or online.
2. Install the cylinder: Follow the instructions for the equipment and connect the CO2 cylinder to the water machine. Make sure it is securely installed to avoid leaks.
3. Add water: Pour cold water into the bottle of the water machine. Cold water is usually recommended because it can dissolve carbon dioxide better.
4. Inject CO2: Fix the bottle to the water machine and press a button or lever to inject carbon dioxide. Depending on your personal preference, you can adjust the amount of gas injected to produce light or strong bubbles.
5. Finish: After the water is made, you can drink it directly or add lemon slices, mint leaves, etc. to flavor it.
The advantage of using a water machine is that it is fast to make and the bubble concentration can be adjusted according to your personal preference. In addition, it can save the cost of buying bottled water after long-term use.
Use dry ice to make gas water
If you don't have a water machine, you can also use dry ice to make gas water. Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide that sublimates directly into gas at room temperature. It is another way to make sparkling water.
Steps:
1. Prepare materials: Buy food-grade dry ice and make sure that the dry ice is specifically for food handling.
2. Handle dry ice: Dry ice is extremely cold and must be handled with protective gloves or tools to avoid direct contact with skin.
3. Add to water: Carefully place dry ice in a bottle of cold water. The dry ice will sublimate in the water, releasing carbon dioxide and forming bubbles.
4. Wait: Let the dry ice completely sublimate in the water. This process takes about a few minutes until the water is full of bubbles.
5. Enjoy: After the dry ice is completely sublimated, the sparkling water is made and can be drunk directly.
Precautions: Be careful when using dry ice to avoid direct contact or swallowing dry ice that has not completely sublimated. In addition, sparkling water made with dry ice should be consumed as soon as possible because the bubbles will gradually disappear over time.
Make Gas Water with Sodium Bicarbonate and Citric Acid
Another way to make Gas Water at home is to use sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and citric acid. This method does not require special equipment, but the taste of the sparkling water produced may be slightly different from commercial products.
Steps:
1. Prepare the ingredients: You need sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), citric acid and cold water.
2. Mix: Add 1/4 teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate and 1/4 teaspoon of citric acid to a cup of cold water.
3. Stir: Gently stir the mixture, and the sodium bicarbonate and citric acid will react chemically, releasing carbon dioxide and producing bubbles.
4. Drink: Wait until the bubbles are generated and drink it immediately.
This method is simple and economical, but the sparkling water produced is usually less bubbly, suitable for users who do not require high bubble strength.
Health effects of gas water
Gas water is considered a healthy drink choice by many people because of its sugar-free and calorie-free characteristics. Compared with sugary carbonated drinks, gas water does not contain any added sugar or artificial sweeteners, so it does not increase calorie intake. In addition, gas water does not contain alcohol, caffeine and other ingredients, making it suitable for people of all ages.
However, some people worry that the carbonic acid in gas water may cause tooth corrosion or stomach discomfort. Although Gas Water is less acidic than most juices or sugary drinks, long-term and large-scale consumption may have a certain impact on tooth enamel. For people with excessive stomach acid or digestive tract diseases, excessive consumption of Gas Water may also cause discomfort, so it is necessary to drink in moderation.
Gas Water Usage Scenarios
Gas Water can be used in many occasions and is a versatile drink:
● Daily drinking: Many people choose Gas Water as a daily drink, especially after fitness or in hot weather, Gas Water can provide a refreshing taste.
● Mixed drinks: Gas Water is ideal for cocktails, flavored water or other mixed drinks. It can add a refreshing bubble to the drink without changing the flavor of other ingredients.
● Cooking and baking: Gas Water is sometimes used in cooking and baking, such as making soft pancakes or cakes. In some recipes, the bubbles in Gas Water can help the food expand, making it softer and more delicious.