3 Reasons to Cook with Filtered Water

Whether you’re bringing your favorite dish to a family gathering or creating a feast for your loved ones this holiday season, chances are the majority of what you’ll eat during the holidays requires water. From chicken broth and mashed potatoes to pies and cookies, water is a key component to many holiday dishes. 

So, how do you keep your meals and drinks tasting as planned?

While some people think boiling water can help remove the source of unpleasant water tastes and smells, the real culprits are typically common water treatment chemicals, including chlorine, chloramine and dissolved solids like sulfur. Filtered water is a must to draw out these elements and maintain a flavorful menu; alternatively - buy bottled water for meal prep.

Here are a few important reasons why cooking with filtered water is a must: 

Permeable foods

It’s important to know that unpleasant tastes and smells can be easily absorbed by food, especially foods cooked in hot water, like potatoes and pastas. Then there are vegetables and fruits that need a thorough wash, including leafy greens or berries. These can all take on the flavor of your water.

To avoid ruining holiday dishes and salads use filtered or bottled water to cook and rinse ingredients. A thorough filtration process, not only removes the contaminants, but any unpleasant tastes or smells too. 

Baked goods

You’ve probably heard someone say that baking is a science. Well, it’s true. When it comes to baking and water, the type of water can heavily impact the end result. 

Hardness minerals and water treatment chemicals added to tap water by some municipalities can sometimes make it nearly impossible to get the perfect dough for dinner rolls, breads or cakes. Magnesium, calcium and chlorine can actually delay the yeast fermentation process, causing dough not to rise and breads and cakes to sink in. 

Holiday drinks

From cocktails to coffee and tea, holiday meals are full of festive drinks and after-dinner cappuccinos. Unfiltered tap water can oftentimes turn drinks bitter or metallic tasting. For your cold beverages, don’t forget water includes ice too. Ice cubes made with tap water can just as easily ruin a mixed drink. 

Before you start mixing things up in the kitchen, determine how you can ensure your water is fresh and pure for all your cooking needs. From bottled water, to a variety of filtration systems, there’s a solution for every chef.  

This was Part 2 of our series on holiday water usage. Keep coming back for tips on how to accommodate your guests’ water usage without breaking the bank.