Why does water taste different at different temperatures?

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Chilled water tastes different than warm or boiled water. What is the reason for this?

In: Chemistry

3 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

The temperature of water affects its pH. Not a whole lot though, but anywhere usually between 6.5 and 8.5. And I’m pretty certain the pH of water affects its taste.

Also, greater/lower pH levels in water can cause other problems, such as amount of certain metals in the water (Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, and Zn) and damage to water pipes, which can have affects on taste.

Anonymous 0 Comments

Assuming that it’s the same water and not from different sources which may contain different salts.. there are 2-3 major factors
1. The temperature itself. When water touches our taste buds, the temperature sets off slightly different responses to the brain.
2. The material. Chilled water may be stored in any container- plastic/glass/metal. Warm/Hot water is almost always used with metal and sometimes glass. So this is also a small factor.
3. Gases. The most important factor is gases. If a liquid surface is kept in contact with a gas, the gas WILL dissolve in the liquid slowly. The colder the temperature, the faster the gas will dissolve in liquid and vice versa. Boiled water is thus absolutely devoid of gases ( bud-bud-bud-bud bubbles, remember? ). That’s why bottled water tastes sweet while boiled water tastes bitter. Oxygen.

Anonymous 0 Comments

This question has been asked before buddy, but apparently it’s cause the taste receptors have a harder time detecting tastes when they’re cold – kinda makes sense as they’ll have less energy, therefore are less likely to fire. When liquids are warmer, more receptors will be able to activate, hence this will let you taste the subtleties, supposedly.