São Lourenço (Minas Gerais, Brazil)

Diagnosis

Estimated TDS: 361 mg/L

/ 100 Smooth & full-bodied

HCO₃⁻ Neutralizes coffee's natural acidity. Low = brighter, more acidic cup; high = rounder, more muted acidity. 258.9 mg/L (ideal 40–75 mg/L) high

Ca²⁺ Binds to extracted compounds and helps carry body — gives the cup roundness and depth. 26.5 mg/L (ideal 10–30 mg/L) ideal

Mg²⁺ Has a strong affinity for acidic and fruity compounds, pulling out brighter, livelier notes. 11.2 mg/L (ideal 3–10 mg/L) high

Na⁺ In excess, adds a faint salty edge that can flatten sweetness. 30.2 mg/L (ideal 0–10 mg/L) high

K⁺ Real but subtle and under-studied effect — some baristas associate it with a touch more perceived sweetness. Low weight in the score. 30.5 mg/L (ideal 0–10 mg/L) high

SO₄²⁻ Tends to sharpen acidity and add a drying finish: more brightness, less body. 2.4 mg/L (ideal 0–25 mg/L) ideal

Cl⁻ Tends to round out sweetness and body. 1.4 mg/L (ideal 0–30 mg/L) ideal

Body × perceived acidity

Reading

Mineralization is quite high. The water saturates easily and tends to under-extract, giving a muted, dull cup — and it raises the risk of scale in your kettle or machine.

Alkalinity is high, buffering most of the coffee's acidity away — the cup will likely taste flatter and more buttery, with little brightness.

Calcium and magnesium sit in a range that supports roundness and body without overwhelming the cup.

Overall: this water is usable, but you'll likely need to compensate with grind size or brew ratio to get a clean cup.

0 0

Comments (0)

No comments yet — be the first to share your take.

Heuristic model inspired by ranges discussed by the SCA and specialty roasters. Not an official lab report — think of it as a starting point; your palate has the final word.