pH-value - Orientation
pH means 'potentie Hydrogeni' in Laten, or 'hydrogen potential'. A pH value indicates the activity of the hydrogen ions, and thus the level of acidity of the product in question. The pH level is calculated on a logarithmic scale, this means that a difference of one degree indicates a tenfold increase or decrease of acidity. Water with a pH level of 5, therefore is ten times more acidic then water with a pH level of 6.
Water with a pH of 1 to 6.7 is acidic water. Water with a pH of 7 to 14 is alkaline water. Water with a pH value around 7 is neutral water. Orientation means the classification of the acidity of water.
The pH value of water hardly influences its taste. Low alkaline water is classified as having a hint of sweet, meaning it tastes neither bitter nor sour. The taste in water with a pH value of 5 and up will be less influenced by its acidity (5%) then by its minerality (20%) and carbonation (75%). Because western foods are more acidic then alkaline, it's healthy to drink alkaline water. Its not advisable to make coffee or tea with alkaline water because of its slightly bitter taste. It's also less suitable for use in equipment like water-boilers or washing-machines
pH values can be devised into the following classifications:
- Acidic: pH 5 to 6,7
- Neutral: pH 6,7 to 7,5
- Hint of Sweet: pH 7,3 to 7,8
- Alkaline: pH 7,8 - 10
For comparison, here are a few pH values of familiar products:
- Vinegar: pH 3
- Wine: pH 2.8–3.8
- Beer: pH 4–5
- Milk: pH 6.3–6.6
- Seawater: pH 8.3
