A taste for water

Water is abundant. It covers 71% of the planet – after all, but it can be hard to believe that this simple three-atom molecule holds so much significance. This natural element allows us to survive and it’s impossible to imagine a world without this substance that’s fundamental to our existence. Water sommelier Candice Jansen takes us on a journey to understand the importance of water and the role she plays as a water sommelier.

The role of a water sommelier

A water sommelier is a trained professional, who specializes in the art of water appreciation and expertise. Much like a wine sommelier, a water sommelier possesses extensive knowledge of different types of water and their properties, including taste, origins and the best ways to pair them with food and beverages.

“We have a deep understanding of water terroir, mineral composition, filtration methods and the impact of water on sensory experiences.” Says Candice. Every water sommelier contributes their unique roles and qualities to the realm of water appreciation. “Personally, I am an advocate for emphasising the significance and value of water. Numerous individuals have enquired about the weight of my role in the future of water and my response remains consistent: water has an economic price tag, whether it comes from the tap or occurs naturally; its emotional value often goes unnoticed,” she says. Candice’s purpose and passion lies in attributing value to water. This molecule is frequently under-valued, despite its intriguing intricacies, including aspects such as taste and mineral composition, so Candice’s role holds immense significance in driving the necessary change in attitude towards water.

Water is life

Water is responsible for healthy lives, hydration and food production, among other things. Water can come from many different sources and these sources hold different qualities, tastes, nuances and even uses.

Water tasting like a pro

There’s wine, brandy and beer tasting, but did you know there is also water tasting? “Water tasting begins by immersing participants in the fascinating world of water. We explore how water acquires its taste, delve into the mysteries surrounding this essential resource, and discover ways to develop a genuine fondness for water,” says Candice. During the tasting, tasters are given six distinct waters, each with its own captivating story. “Throughout the event, we engage in conversations that cover a range of topics, including pH levels, the nuances between bottled and processed waters, the significance of minerals, comparisons with other beverages and the safe and effective use of tap water,” she says. By the end of the experience, participants leave with a newfound appreciation and a transformed perspective on water, having gone on a unique and incredible journey of exploration. Candice uses a dedicated stemmed water glass to elevate the experience of drinking water, giving it the same value and appreciation as wine. “This transforms it into an immersive and enjoyable experience rather than merely a means of hydration,” she adds.

The correct way to drink water

Water should be savoured in the way that pleases you best! “To determine your taste preferences, we begin by sampling water at room temperature. Once you’ve identified a few favourites, you can choose to enjoy them chilled or at room temperature, depending on your personal preference,” she says. It’s important not to dilute the water with ice from another source.

Candice explains that the distinct qualities of water are derived from its natural environment, a concept referred to as terroir. Factors, such as the type of rock formations, the duration of filtration and the mineral composition, contribute to the variations of taste in water. “The impact of climate change poses significant challenges to both the availability and potability of water. Additionally, climate change has numerous effects that can impact the quality of water,” she says.

Pairing water with a meal

Pairing water with food and wine involves specific techniques. “High-mineral waters are often paired with robust red wines, while lower mineral waters tend to complement white wines better. Sparkling water is typically not paired with any wine, except for dessert wines and effervescent water,” says Candice. The possibilities for combinations are endless and thrilling.

Water selection for food is based on the flavour profiles of both the dish and the water, as well as considering the characteristics of the wine being served. “Water menus have emerged as a rising trend in the hospitality industry, offering a wide range of water choices to enhance the overall epicurean experience. This allows diners to explore diverse options and elevate their culinary journey by choosing the perfect water to accompany their meals and complement the flavours and aromas of the food and wine,” says Candice.

Why shouldn’t you add lemon to water?

Candice says that both lemons and water are very healthy. However, they don’t belong together. “Lemons have been added to water to disguise the poor taste of some water. But when you learn that water has a unique taste and mineral complexity, you’ll also learn that lemons aren’t necessary and they destroy the taste of water,” she says.

Break Free: 8 effective strategies to get out of a rut

 

Getting out of a rut is about stepping outside of what’s comfortable and into your ‘stretch zone’ instead, says Helen Jane Campbell. She gave us 8 steps to forge a path out of mundanity…

Feeling stuck in a rut can be an overwhelming and frustrating experience, particularly for those of us navigating the complexities of modern life. Whether it’s in your career, relationships, or personal growth, the sensation of being trapped and unsure of how to move forward can leave you feeling unfulfilled and restless. This stagnation can sap your energy and enthusiasm, making it difficult to see a clear path ahead. Luckily, Helen Jane Campbell has the following tips to help you break out and find freedom again.

1.    1.   Define What You’d Like to Achieve

What does getting out of a rut mean to you? Once you know what you’re aiming for, your journey has begun. Write down your goals. If you’re not sure what success looks like, think about how you feel now versus how you’d like to feel in the future.

2.      2. Use Your Senses

Choose an uplifting track or a scent that helps you feel good. Listen to these tunes and/or smell this scent every time you work on your goal. This helps create a habit, and the association and repetition conjure up a sense of comfort and familiarity, which can be useful when you’re trying to make a change.

1.      3. Track Your Progress

Noticing and reflecting on how far you’ve come can help with momentum, especially if you don’t put too much pressure on yourself to follow a linear journey. Note down your starting point and look at progress over the long term, accepting setbacks. Simply scoring yourself out of ten is a quick and effective daily tool.

2.     4.  Involve Others

The support of others who have your best interests at heart can be an important part of getting out of a rut. The encouragement and camaraderie can be really motivating, whether you join a writing group or simply share your journey on social media. Knowing someone is expecting something of us increases the likelihood that we’ll show up, as we don’t wish to let someone else down – and our support can help them to achieve their goals, too.

3.      5. Carve Out Time

If you truly want to get out of a rut, give yourself some specific time in the day or week to work on it. Create a regular meeting with yourself to focus on the change you wish to make. You might have to let go of something else in order to make space for this.

1.      6. Be Playful

If your goal is around moving your body more, this doesn’t have to involve doing things you don’t like. Exploring new and fun activities can be part of the adventure. “I recently tried trapeze lessons, orienteering, and dance in my quest to move my body more,” Campbell explains. “It felt fun and, to me, less like a chore. I kept up the dancing and enjoyed trying the other activities, too.”

2.      7. Grant Permission

Giving ourselves permission to try new things or to stop repeating old patterns can be an important step. Consider writing yourself a permission slip, from you to you.

3.     8. Write a Letter to Your Future Self

Thinking of your future self enjoying the results of your efforts can be a real motivator for making brave changes. “When I run retreats, I encourage my clients to write a letter to themselves, which I then post back to them at a later date. There are apps that will do this for you digitally, too,” adds Campbell.

Six Surprising Benefits of Curiosity

Why?

That’s the question parents and teachers both dread and love to hear from kids. We dread it because, well, sometimes we don’t know the answer—or we’re too lazy or hurried to come up with a good one. But we usually do our best, understanding that curiosity is key to learning.

But did you know that the benefits of curiosity are not limited to the intellectual? For children and adults alike, curiosity has been linked with psychological, emotional, social, and even health benefits. Here are six of them!

1.     1. Curiosity helps us survive. The urge to explore and seek novelty helps us remain vigilant and gain knowledge about our constantly changing environment, which may be why our brains evolved to release dopamine and other feel-good chemicals when we encounter new things.

2.    Curious people are happier. Research has shown curiosity to be associated with higher levels of positive emotions, lower levels of anxiety, more satisfaction with life, and greater psychological well-being. Of course, it may be, at least partially, that people who are already happier tend to be more curious, but since novelty makes us feel good (see above), it seems likely that it goes the other direction as well.

3.     Curiosity boosts achievement. Studies reveal that curiosity leads to more enjoyment and participation in school and higher academic achievement, as well as greater learning, engagement, and performance at work. It may seem like common sense, but when we are more curious about and interested in what we are doing, it’s easier to get involved, put effort in, and do well.

4.      Curiosity can expand our empathy. When we are curious about others and talk to people outside our usual social circle, we become better able to understand those with lives, experiences, and worldviews different than our own. Next time you have the chance to talk with a stranger, especially someone who may be quite dissimilar to you, try engaging with them on a personal level (respectfully, of course) and showing them that you are interested in what they have to say.

5.      Curiosity helps strengthen relationships. One study asked strangers to pose and answer personal questions, a process scientists call “reciprocal self-disclosure.” They found that people were rated as warmer and more attractive if they showed real curiosity in the exchange (while other variables like the person’s social anxiety and their levels of positive and negative emotions did not affect the partner’s feelings of attraction and closeness). This implies that demonstrating curiosity towards someone is a great way to build your closeness with them.

6.      Curiosity improves healthcare. Research suggests that when doctors are genuinely curious about their patients’ perspectives, both doctors and patients report less anger and frustration and make better decisions, ultimately increasing the effectiveness of treatment.