What causes bitter lemon water

The bitter taste of lemon water may be related to factors such as lemon variety, high water temperature, prolonged soaking time, unremoved lemon peel or seeds, and alkaline water quality. Bitter lemon water usually does not affect drinking safety, but it may affect the taste.

Lemon variety is an important factor affecting bitterness, and some lemons themselves contain a lot of bitter substances such as limonin. The skin and flesh of these varieties are prone to release bitterness. Choosing lemon varieties with smooth skin and plump flesh can reduce bitterness. Excessive water temperature can accelerate the dissolution of bitter substances in lemon peel. It is more suitable to brew with water below 40 degrees Celsius or cold white water. Soaking for more than 2 hours can cause a large amount of naringin and other components in the fruit peel to precipitate. It is recommended to soak and drink immediately or control the consumption within 1 hour. Lemon peel and seeds contain a high concentration of bitter taste compounds. Thoroughly removing the skin, white flesh, and seeds before brewing can significantly reduce bitterness. Brewing with weakly acidic or neutral water yields better results, while alkaline water reacts with citric acid to produce a bitter and astringent sensation.

In some special cases, the bitter taste of lemon water may indicate abnormalities. Lemons that have been moldy or chemically treated may exhibit abnormal bitterness, and their skin may have black spots or a pungent odor. Contact with metal containers can cause metallic bitterness, it is recommended to use glass or ceramic vessels. Some drugs can produce bitter compounds when combined with citric acid, so caution should be exercised when drinking during medication. For people who are sensitive to bitterness, their perception of bitterness may be amplified, and honey can be added appropriately to regulate it.

For daily consumption of lemon water, it is recommended to choose fresh lemons. Rinse the skin quickly with water below 60 degrees Celsius, then slice and remove the seeds. Add 2-3 slices of lemon per 500 milliliters of water and soak for about 30 minutes before drinking. Can be paired with mint leaves or a small amount of honey to improve taste and avoid drinking on an empty stomach. gastrointestinal sensitive individuals should control their daily intake and rinse their mouth with water after drinking to reduce the potential impact on tooth enamel. If there is abnormal bitterness or discomfort after drinking, stop drinking immediately and consult a professional.