We just installed a reverse osmosis (RO) filter system at our house, because the tap water tastes gross. I tested the TDS and it was 3ppm! I thought “oh that must be great, pure water,” but my friend told me you actually want minerals in there to help extract.
So… Anyone else in this boat? I know there are RO systems that will remineralize after the filter, but ours doesn’t… And I don’t think I want to uninstall this beast. I know there are little drops you can add, but they seem expensive… Just wondering what y’all other home brewers do. Thanks!
Yes, brewing with pure RO water will not produce great results. But luckily you can make your own re-mineralization drops with baking soda and Epsom salts, so that’s pretty cheap.
You can start by taking a look here: https://www.baristahustle.com/blog/diy-water-recipes-redux/
Beware, the rabbit hole is deep :)
I ended up ordering a calcium/alkaline cartridge to put at the end of the filter chain. But now that I know of this rabbit hole, I think I’ll be checking it out someday! Thanks :-)