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Selters
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Selters (German pronunciation: [ˈzɛltɐs] ⓘ) is a German brand of natural mineral water sourced from wells in the area of Selters in Hesse, at the Taunus mountains. The water has been known since the Bronze Age and famous as a natural soda water because of its high concentration of sodium bicarbonate, "soda". The Selters water also contains raised levels of calcium, chloride, magnesium, sulfate and potassium ions. The water is naturally carbonated, over 250 mg/L, but sold in both sparkling and still versions.
The name and the water of Selters are the prototype of seltzer, a generic term for soda water in the United States.
History
[edit]The Romans used the wells and may have given the origin of the current name Selters, either from Latin: aqua saltare (water jump) or Latin: saltrissa (salt rising), but both possibilities present linguistic uncertainties. The same name is also used in some other places in Germany with mineral wells. The wells are mentioned already in 772 in documents at the nearby monasteries in Fulda and Lorsch. In the 16th century under the rule of Johann von der Leyen, the water from the wells gained international fame.[1]
Selters has been popular as a spa resort, and the water has been used for health effects, as well as for its taste. The water has been exported in large quantities for many centuries; in 1787 J. F. Westrumb reported that over a million Selters bottles were exported all around the world.[2] The Selters bottle was common during the 17th to 19th centuries, made of stoneware, not to confuse with the modern "seltzer bottle" i.e. a soda siphon.
Artificial "selters waters" with added minerals have been created to make competition, thus helping to establish the fame of the original water as an international reference of soda water, e.g. by Torbern Bergman, who made thorough analyses of mineral waters and in 1775 presented how to make carbonated water to mimic genuine mineral waters.[3]
The production at the famous main well in Niederselters was terminated in 1999, but production continues at a well in the nearby (25 km away) village of Selters-Löhnberg, in commercial use for almost 200 years, as well as at the competing one in Oberselters. There is a Selters water museum in Niederselters.
The words "Selters", "Selterwasser" or "Selter" have become synonyms for all kinds and brands of mineral water primarily in north and eastern Germany.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "History of Selters municipality". Archived from the original on 2014-03-15. Retrieved 2012-08-01.
- ^ Stock, Ulrich (5 March 2009). "History of Selters water". Die Zeit. Retrieved 2012-08-01.
- ^ Torbern Bergman's biography Archived 2012-07-03 at the Wayback Machine (in Swedish).
External links
[edit]
- http://www.selters.de/ The Selters water production plant
- http://www.oberselters.de/ The Oberselters water production plant
Selters
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Selters is a naturally carbonated mineral water sourced from artesian wells in the Selters region of Germany, particularly noted for its high concentration of sodium bicarbonate, which gives it effervescent properties and medicinal qualities that have been recognized since the 16th century.[1][2]
The name "Selters" derives from the term "Saltrissa," first recorded in 772 CE, likely from the Latin phrase "aqua saltare," meaning "leaping" or "dancing water" in reference to its effervescence, with early references dating back to 772 CE as "Saltrissa," evolving into the modern brand by 1536 when the Niederselters spring in the Taunus Mountains was first documented as a source of healing water.[2][3] Its curative effects were detailed in 1581 by botanist Jakob Theodor Tabernaemontanus in his work Neuw Wasserschatz, praising its benefits for digestion and health, which spurred its export in stoneware jugs across Europe and beyond starting in the late 16th century.[3][2]
From 1700 to 1753, local entrepreneurs in Niederselters managed the burgeoning trade, bottling and distributing the water until the Duchy of Trier established a state monopoly, transforming the area into a health resort with hotels, restaurants, and a dedicated medical practice.[3] By the 18th century, Selters had become synonymous with sparkling mineral water, inspiring the English term "seltzer" and achieving global fame through shipments to royal courts and colonial markets.[1][2]
The original Niederselters spring declined in the 19th century, leading to the drilling of the Augusta Victoria well in 1896 near Selters an der Lahn, which reached 1,000 feet deep and restored production, peaking at 50,000 bottles daily by 1903.[1][2] Today, Original Selters is produced exclusively from this Lahn source at a depth of 300 meters, featuring a total dissolved solids (TDS) level of 1,610 mg/L, including 850 mg/L bicarbonate, 110 mg/L calcium, and 290 mg/L sodium, with a pH of 6.6 and varying carbonation levels from still to bold.[1][4] The brand, first registered in 1925, has been owned by the Radeberger Group since 1990; it is marketed in four variants—classic, medium, gentle, and still—and certified as an ideal companion for wine by the German Wine Institute, reflecting its enduring role in culinary and beverage culture.[2][4]
This mineral profile results in a total hardness of 435 mg/L, primarily from calcium and magnesium contributions.[1]
Trace elements include naturally occurring silica at 5 mg/L, along with other minerals not synthesized by the human body, acquired through the water's natural filtration via the Taunus region's geology.[1]
The water exhibits a pH of 6.6, reflecting slight acidity moderated by its bicarbonate and mineral balance.[1][9]
Origins and Geography
The Selters Region
The Selters region lies in the northern Taunus mountains of Hesse, Germany, a hilly landscape characterized by forests, gentle hills, and river valleys. The mineral springs are centered around the villages of Niederselters and Oberselters, which form part of the municipality of Selters (Taunus), situated between the Taunus and Westerwald uplands along the floodplain of the Lahn River near Biskirchen and Löhnberg.[5][6] Geologically, the area belongs to the Rhenish Slate Mountains, dominated by Paleozoic formations including Devonian shales, sandstones, and volcanic rocks, with fault zones facilitating the rise of deep groundwaters. These mineral-rich layers, encompassing volcanic and limestone elements from over 400 million years of Earth's history, naturally filter infiltrating water as it percolates through the northern Taunus subsurface over thousands of years, enriching it with minerals and trace elements via prolonged interaction with the rock matrix.[7][5] The original springs are located approximately 25 kilometers from modern production facilities, such as those in Löhnberg-Selters, highlighting the region's compact yet distinct geographical extent within the Lahn valley depression known as the Löhnberg Basin.[8] This area is designated with stringent environmental protections, recognized as one of Germany's best-guarded mineral water deposits, ensuring sustainable management through rigorous state oversight and independent monitoring to preserve the integrity of the deep aquifers and surrounding ecosystems.[5][9]Discovery of the Springs
The naturally carbonated springs in the Selters area, located in the northern foothills of the Taunus mountains, show signs of early human recognition and use during prehistoric periods. Archaeological and historical indications suggest that local populations, including Celtic tribes during the Iron Age, were aware of and utilized the springs' effervescent mineral water, valued for its unique properties. The name "Selters" traces its origins to the Celtic word "Saltarissa," referring to a spring associated with salt or bubbling water, reflecting the ancient linguistic roots tied to the site's geological features.[10] While direct archaeological evidence is lacking, Roman awareness of the springs is considered possible through etymological connections, with some scholars linking the name to the Latin phrase aqua saltare ("dancing water"), a description of the water's natural carbonation as it emerged from the ground. This interpretation aligns with broader Roman practices of seeking out mineral springs for therapeutic purposes across their provinces, though no specific artifacts or records confirm exploitation at Selters during this era. The absence of direct evidence underscores that any Roman interaction remains speculative, based primarily on linguistic parallels rather than material finds. The place name "Saltrissa" (an early form of Selters) first appears in a 772 AD charter from Countess Rachild of the Rupertiner family donating property there to Lorsch Abbey, with similar mentions in Fulda monastery records from the same year. The springs themselves were first explicitly documented in 1536 in a property transaction.[11][2] By the medieval period, knowledge of the Selters springs had spread from local Celtic and early Germanic communities to broader regional use, particularly among monastic and noble circles in the Rhineland. The water's perceived health benefits led to its application in rudimentary spa-like treatments, where it was consumed or bathed in to treat ailments such as stomach disorders and rheumatism, marking the transition from incidental prehistoric discovery to intentional exploitation for wellness.[10]Historical Development
Early Records and Roman Influence
The earliest documented references to the Selters springs appear in monastic records from 772 AD, preserved in the archives of the monasteries of Fulda and Lorsch. These documents mention the area as "Seltrisa" or "Saltrissa," highlighting the local spring's significance during the Carolingian era under Charlemagne, where it was associated with a salzhaltige (salty) source likely valued for its unique properties.[11] The name "Selters" derives from the Celtic term "Saltarissa," meaning spring, with early references dating back to 772 CE as "Saltrissa." While direct archaeological evidence of Roman exploitation at Selters remains speculative, references to effervescent waters in classical texts, such as those by Pliny the Elder describing bubbling springs in Germania, suggest possible recognition of similar sources in the region.[1][12] By the late medieval period, in the 14th and 15th centuries, the Selters springs gained further recognition within emerging spa culture in the Nassau region, evolving into a destination for health seekers and pilgrims who visited for the water's reputed curative qualities, especially against gastrointestinal disorders. This development reflected broader European trends in mineral water therapy, where such sites became centers for rest and recovery amid growing interest in natural remedies. The first explicit literary praise of the spring's effervescence came in 1581, when botanist Jakob Theodor Tabernaemontanus devoted ten pages to it in his work Neuw Wasserschatz, extolling its bubbling vitality and health benefits.[11]Commercialization and Export
The commercialization of Selters water began in the 16th century, when its naturally carbonated mineral properties were recognized for medicinal benefits, leading to bottling and initial exports across Europe. Local entrepreneurs managed the trade until 1753, when the Duchy of Trier established a state monopoly, which included developing the area into a health resort with hotels, restaurants, and a dedicated medical practice.[3][13] By the 17th and 18th centuries, innovations in packaging enabled safer long-distance transport, with stoneware bottles specifically designed to withstand the pressure of carbonation becoming standard. These durable vessels allowed Selters to reach distant markets, including shipments to Africa, Asia, and the Americas. In 1791, over one million bottles were exported annually, underscoring the scale of its global trade as a luxury health tonic favored by royalty and physicians.[14] The 19th century brought challenges as the original Niederselters spring began drying up in the early 1800s, threatening production amid rising international popularity. To sustain the brand, prospectors identified new sources in the Taunus region; one significant well, tapped in 1896 and named Augusta Victoria after the German Empress, began commercial operation with a carbonation plant by 1902, ensuring continuity of supply.[15][16] Archaeological discoveries further illustrate the extent of Selters' historical trade networks. In 2014, divers recovered an intact 200-year-old stoneware bottle from a shipwreck in the Baltic Sea off Poland, marked "Selters" and containing preserved liquid, providing tangible evidence of maritime exports during the peak of its 19th-century commercialization.[17]Production and Sourcing
Current Sources and Extraction
Following the closure of bottling at the main well in Niederselters in 1999, sparkling variants of Selters mineral water (Classic and Medium) are extracted from the Augusta Victoria spring (Selters Mineralquelle) located in Löhnberg-Selters, Germany. The still (Naturell) and gentle (Sanft) variants are sourced from the separate Selters Naturellquelle.[18] This artesian well for sparkling water, originally drilled to a depth of approximately 305 meters in 1896, accesses water from depths up to 300 meters within the Taunus mountain region's aquifers.[1][10] The aquifers supplying the springs are protected under strict state regulations, with ongoing monitoring by independent authorities and Selters' own laboratories to prevent any agricultural or industrial contamination. This safeguards the pristine quality of the groundwater, which has filtered naturally through rock layers over hundreds of thousands of years.[5] Extraction relies on the spring's natural artesian pressure, allowing the water to rise to the surface without mechanical forcing, though gentle pumping is used as needed to maintain flow; no additives or treatments are introduced during this process to preserve its natural composition. Sustainability practices emphasize resource conservation, including controlled extraction rates to align with natural recharge and efforts to minimize the carbon footprint through efficient operations.[1][5] In Niederselters, the Selters Water Museum, housed in restored former bottling buildings and a fountain temple, serves as an educational resource displaying artifacts related to the historical methods of water extraction and production.[19]Bottling and Variants
Following extraction from depths of approximately 300 meters, Selters mineral water undergoes minimal processing to preserve its natural mineral profile. The water is gently filtered through rock layers in the Taunus mountains for natural clarity, with additional mechanical filtration applied only as needed to remove any particulates without altering its composition.[5] Artificial carbonation is then added to sparkling variants at controlled levels—high for bold effervescence (Classic) or moderate for finer bubbles (Medium and Sanft)—while the still version (Naturell) remains uncarbonated; this process adheres to EU standards for natural mineral waters, which permit CO2 addition exceeding 250 mg/L for enhanced refreshment.[1] Pasteurization is avoided entirely to maintain the water's unaltered minerals and trace elements.[5] Bottling occurs at the source in Löhnberg, Germany, using both glass and PET materials to ensure recyclability and sustainability. Traditional blue glass bottles, designed as replicas of historic stoneware jugs, are available in sizes such as 0.25 L, 0.5 L, 0.75 L, and 1 L, with relief patterns for gastronomy use providing an aesthetic nod to the brand's heritage.[20] PET options, introduced for broader accessibility, include 0.5 L and 1 L formats, all filled under hygienic conditions monitored by state authorities.[21] Selters offers four variants focused on purity without any flavor additions: Classic, with high carbonation for a prickling sensation and 1,508 mg/L total dissolved solids (TDS) (per 2014 analysis); Medium (also known as Feinperlig), featuring moderate carbonation at 3.8 g/L CO2 for fine bubbles and same 1,508 mg/L TDS; Sanft (gentle), lightly carbonated with similar low mineralization to Naturell; and Naturell, the still version with 462 mg/L TDS.[20][18] These variants highlight the waters' bicarbonate content—around 791 mg/L in sparkling types from Mineralquelle and 298 mg/L in Naturell and Sanft from Naturellquelle—tailored for different tastes and pairings, such as with wines or cuisine.[1][20] Quality controls are rigorous, involving over 200 daily tests in Selters' laboratories for consistency, supplemented by independent institutes and state oversight to verify TDS levels between 1,508 and 1,610 mg/L for sparkling variants.[5] This ensures batch-to-batch uniformity in mineral content and carbonation, with certifications from bodies like Geisenheim University affirming its premium status.[5]Chemical Composition
Mineral Content
Selters mineral water is characterized by its high total dissolved solids (TDS) content, ranging from 1,508 to 1,610 mg/L, which classifies it as a high-mineral water.[1][9][22] The primary ions contributing to this composition include calcium at 107-110 mg/L, magnesium at 39-40 mg/L, sodium at 257-290 mg/L, chloride at 254 mg/L, sulfate at 14 mg/L, potassium at 13 mg/L, and bicarbonate at 791-850 mg/L.[1][23]| Mineral Ion | Concentration (mg/L) |
|---|---|
| Calcium (Ca²⁺) | 107-110 |
| Magnesium (Mg²⁺) | 39-40 |
| Sodium (Na⁺) | 257-290 |
| Potassium (K⁺) | 13 |
| Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) | 791-850 |
| Chloride (Cl⁻) | 254 |
| Sulfate (SO₄²⁻) | 14 |