Saturday, August 1, 2020

Bubbling and Refreshing


There's water, and there's... soda water. Soda water is my favorite soft drink, especially in summer.. It is made of water to which carbon dioxide gas ( Co2) is added under pressure. It goes very well with wine creating a sparkling, refreshing drink.

They say it upsets the stomach, causes digestion discomfort. Quite the reverse,  it soothes the stomach, and eases discomfort..  As far as I know no one in my family ( all soda drinkers), has had anything to do with indigestion or stomach problems.
Soda water is also  'accused' of weakening the bones; no real evidence in this respect either.

I'm used to drinking it from an early age. In my childhood days, soda water was produced in a small factory where special glass bottles got filled with water and Co2, and then sold to customers. To buy a new bottle (named syphon), one had to return the empty one.

syphon*

 The next stage in the 'evolution', of this carbonated beverage, was home- made soda , the best kind of soda - as one can make it as strong or as weak as one wishes.

At first, the device for soda making  at home was the sypholux - a metalic, opaque, silver colored item (covering a glass inner bottle) which came with a plastic cartridge holder. To operate it one had to buy a package of replaceable Co2. cartridges. The more cartridges used, the stronger the soda. Usually three (3) cartridges were the optimal number for a fairly strong soda.

(The grey-red sypholux was a popular  wedding gift in those days, and subject to a lot of jokes , as the newly wed couples used to get more than two or three of them ).



bottle, head, cartridge, cartridge holder*

inserted cartridge holder *

The sypholux and cartridges got replaced after a while by the Soda Stream  company's device - a reusable bottle and a replaceable carbonating cylinder.
I wasn't happy with that method - too awkward and expensive for me.


soda stream kit*


Nowadays, I usually buy ready made soda water bottles /cans at the supermarket or kiosks. The bottles come in two sizes: family bottles and smaller personal bottles. It's important to read the label on the bottle before buying, as there are sometimes additions like sodium ,for example, supposed to give the soda  better taste.


* web pictures


60 comments:

  1. Well then, you should try it separately from the other 'mojito' cocktail ingredients.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Fascinating story, Duta. Not something that has been a part of my background at all, but somewhere in my distant memory I do seem to recall those syphon bottles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. The syphon bottles were part of my childhood and early adolescence in east Europe (Romania).
      The sypholux and the soda-stream devices were experienced in Israel.

      Delete
  3. Wow Duta, you`ve made your own soda ! Impressive! I also never have seen all those homemade soda making items. Like your title says, a very refreshing and bubbling post, just perfect on a hot summer day!! If you are making them to order, I will have a ginger ale please:))!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I did- and stayed alive:)
      I'm like that - always interested in trying and experiencing all kinds of things.

      Delete
  4. I used to vaguely remember those earlier soda syphons but lost track of their evolution after that! Interesting blog.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm kind of addicted to soda water (not in a negative sense), so the things involved in its evolution stay fresh in my memory to this day.

      Delete
  5. I drink soda water with ice cubes a lot. My daughter has a soda stream, but I just buy the bottles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good for you, Christine! It's refreshing and invogarating! It's also healthy, as they say, it neutralizes the toxins in the digestive system

      Delete
  6. I'm not sure I've ever had soda water. Fascinating how it is made! Learned something new today about it!

    betty

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I feel flattered when a reader writes in his/her comment that he/she has learnt something new from my post. Thank you, Betty.

      Delete
  7. Replies
    1. Thanks a lot. I'm glad you find my little post interesting.

      Delete
  8. My little brother is addicted to soda, me not so much. He bought a Sodastream when they first came out and loved it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not surprised your brother likes the device. It turns him into a small manufacturer able of producing his own beloved beverage, without depending on outer factors. That makes him feel good.

      Delete
  9. I always drink soda water too (sparkling water) never harmed me or anybody else ! I stated that all normal things are bad for our health while the expensive "organic" things will keep us alive until 100 years !!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As long as a drink doesn't contain one of the two "killers" or both - sugar and salt - no harm will be done to the body (in my opinion). Soda water is free of the above elements.

      Delete
  10. I'm not a drinker of soda water though have had it.
    I think from memory sometimes my late mum drank it occasionally.
    Good information about it you have written.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. People tend to confuse between soda water and the other soda drinks like Cola and Sprite. The last two mentioned, are carbonated drinks but unlike soda water, contain sugar, and are therefore unhealthy and not recommended.

      Delete
    2. Interesting, but we don't call Cola or Sprite soda drinks down here..

      Delete
    3. OK, Margaret, but if you'll look it up on the internet, you'll see that soft drins with carbonated water, sweetener and flavor (Cola, Pepsi, Fanta, Sprite, Seven up) fall into the category of 'sodas'. Unlike soda water, these drinks are not very healthy.

      Delete
  11. I've never seen them! I don't drink soft drinks or soda water. Mostly just water.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you drink mostly water, then that's good for you. If the water in your area is of good quality, then nothing else is needed.

      Delete
    2. That is true, we drink water using a filter jug, but to be honest water in our city is so clean you can drink it straight from the tap. My husband likes soda water from time to time, but I don't, it upsets my belly to much. Have a lovely day!

      Delete
    3. Lucky you having such a good city water!
      Still, you take precautions and use a filter jug. Kudos to you!

      Delete
  12. I do recall those syphon bottles.
    I'm not a soda water drinker, I tend to just drink it plain.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Once you've seen those bottles, you don't esily forgt them.
      I didn't choose to drink soda water, it was on our table from the very beginning of my life. I'm faithful to it ro this day. I like it and I think it does me good.

      Delete
  13. This is very thought provoking post you have here, it’s also really interesting. I had not heard about this soda water before reading about it here. We call Coke, 7-Up and Pepsi, soda water. Thanks to you, I learned something new today.

    Wishing you all the best . . . Stay Safe, my friend!


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your kind words.
      I'm aware of this confusion: people call all carbonated drinks - soda. There's of course a difference. Soda water is just water and carbon dioxide, whereas Cola, 7-up, Sprite have all kinds of additions beside water and carbon, such as sugar and color.

      Delete
  14. Reminds me of the "Soda Fountains" that were in the theatres (about five decades ago) where you sit on those high stools and see the guy do the fuzzzzzzzzz when he presses the lever down.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It certainly brings back memories - good ones.
      At home, pressing the lever of the syphon down to get that fuzzy drink was quite a joyful act, one of expectation for a cool, bubbling drink.

      Delete
  15. I remember the gas bottles. Everybody had to have one. I shouldn’t think they are still around, are they, as it’s so easy to buy soda water in plastic bottles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, I think they aren't around any more, except perhaps in collectors' possession.
      I buy the soda water that comes in glass bottles, not in the plastic ones.

      Delete
  16. I do love soda water. I have a soda stream and it works -- kind of. But makes a terrible wet mess (I now use it in the sink) Not all are that way -- but I must have a less expensive model. I love using soda water when I make lemonade. Just a bit fizzy but when it loses the fizz, the lemonade is still good!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I gave up on soda stream, but not on soda water.I particularly enjoy it when it's mixed with a bit of wine or fruit juice.

      Delete
  17. I drink seltzer, water and tonic water (with lime and a bit of gin) but have never had soda water. Thanks for the information Duta and for showing the syphon which I had heard of before.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, there are all kinds of soda water on the market, as a result of certain additions supposed to help with digestion (seltzer). I have no experience with that
      You're welcome to the info on syphons.

      Delete
  18. Soda water is indeed great for an upset stomach. I don't drink it as a rule, just regular water, but I do like it and after reading this, I think I will get a couple of bottles just to have on hand. My stomach is having minor issues that soda water would really help. Thanks for this interesting and informative post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They say soda water neutralizes toxins found in the stomach. I know that if I happen to feel nausea for some reason, a sip or two of cold soda water will do the trick.

      Delete
  19. I love sparkling water. I always drinking Spa. (Natural mineral water that springs from a natural source)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's even better. Sparkling water is naturally sourced and processed. Soda water is made of any plain water and artificially processed by the addition of carbon dioxide.

      Delete
  20. It is so refreshing, isn't it? I like the Soda Stream, but also the canned versions with all the flavors you can get at any store. I think it is so much healthier than regular or even diet soda. Well, not healthy but at least not non-healthy! 😊

    I have heard that about weakening bones. Strange. I wonder why they say that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sandi,
      I must repeat myself: Don't confuse soda water (bought or produced at home by Soda Stream device)and the soft carbonated drinks called soda. These drinks are cooling and refreshing but might contain sweeteners and flavoring - so not quite healthy.

      Delete
  21. Hi Duta, PS thank you sooooooo much for pointing out my leaving out the `alef`. God bless you for all your loving and caring eye to show me these things!!! I took the post down temporarily to make the correction!! Stay tuned!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I just drink plain, old water...and lots of it! I love water. :)

    Take good care, DUTA.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're doing the right thing, Lee. I was just born to this situation of soda water on the table. It was kind of a ritual, and my parents were very fond of this drink.

      Delete
  23. I grew up in the country on well water or spring water and when I first came to Nashville I hated the water and still do. We have a filter which helps. Peace

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, filter helps. Brita(german company) filter is widely used in our parts. It is said to deliver clean, tasty drinking water.

      Delete
  24. Replies
    1. Yum, indeed. A plain, cheap , and not harmful soft drink. Recommended.

      Delete
  25. Just saying hi, stopping in to see what's new with you and to let you know I was thinking of you.Also wanted to see the new comments by others about soda water. It's all so very interesting and informative.

    I hope you had a nice week. Wishing you a wonderful weekend! Stay Safe, my friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I also tend to go back to a blog where I left a comment to read other people's comments. Sometimes the comments are even more interesting than the post.
      A wonderful weekend to you too!

      Delete
  26. Great minds think alike Duta, because I love soda water, sparkling water, and in fact it's the only water I drink. I keep mine ice cold, and something about this drink just seems so refreshing. I have a soda stream, but also purchase lots from the supermarket. Hope you're doing well! Hugs, RO

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ro,
      Yes it seems we are alike in our love for soda water and sparkling water. That's good stuff and I recommend it.

      Delete
  27. Thanks. As far as I could see your blog has no translation widget, which makes it difficult for someone who doesn't know your language to follow your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I don't think I've ever had soda water, only regular water and regular soda. Sounds like it would be refreshing though as I love carbonated drinks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Try it, you won't regret it! It has the carbonated part without additions and flavorings.

      Delete
  29. Hi Duta, I can't say I've ever had much soda water but will grab a bottle (after checking for any unwanted additions ;D))
    Its interesting reading your thoughts on this subject and, as one of your blog-friends mentioned previously, interesting coming back and reading the discussions between yourself and others.
    I like the way, back in the day, how glass bottles were reclaimed. In the same way as our glass milk bottles were. Washed and recycled - so much less waste back then!
    Regards xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bottle recycling (including glass bottles) is quite a thing nowadays, too.
      We can even get some money for returning certain bottles at the store. Our supermarket has a device which 'swalows' the bottles and gives you a receipt worth money.

      Delete