Calcium Carbonate

Let's be honest: Water isn't just water - especially when you're brewing beer. Calcium Carbonate (also known as lime or E170) is your friend when you need to raise the pH and add calcium to your brewing water.

This is especially useful if you use very soft water or if you brew dark beers, where a little extra calcium can do wonders for both flavour and yeast health.

How is it used?
Add small amounts (e.g. 1-2 grams per 25 litres of water) during mashing and measure the pH - the target is typically around 5.2-5.4 for optimal enzyme activity.

Benefits of Calcium Carbonate in brewing:

• Raises pH if your water is too acidic

• Increases calcium content - good for yeast health

• Improves flavour balance in dark beers

• And hey - it's not dangerous, it's actually approved as a food additive (E170)

So the next time your brew water acts like a sulky teenager - give it some calcium love