Tara Powder

Tara Powder, derived from the seed pods of Caesalpinia spinosa, also known as Caesalpinia tinctoria, is a highly sought-after natural dye and tannin extract. Native to the dry regions of Peru and other parts of South America, tara has become a staple in multiple industries due to its high tannin content, sustainable cultivation, and effectiveness as a mordant and dyeing agent. Recognized for its natural pyrogallic tannins, this powder provides vibrant, durable color profiles, making it ideal for applications in the leather, textile, and pharmaceutical industries. At Alfa Chemistry, we provide high-quality Tara Powder sourced responsibly to meet diverse industrial needs.

Product Details and Packaging

Chemical Composition and Tannin Content

Tara Powder stands out for its high tannin concentration, which naturally ranges between 30-50%, primarily composed of gallic acid. Post-extraction, tannin levels may increase to a potent 72-75%. This pyrogallic-type tannin is also complemented by minor catechol derivatives, enhancing its versatility across applications. With its balanced tannin profile, Tara Powder minimizes oxidation, which allows it to produce lightfast, stable color profiles in dyed materials. The low iron content in Alfa Chemistry's Tara Powder further ensures that this dye extract yields clear and vibrant colors, optimal for high-quality leather production.

Applications

• Light-Colored and Imputrescible Leather Tanning

In leather tanning, Tara Powder is prized for creating soft, durable, and light-colored finishes. Its pyrogallic tannin composition makes it ideal for producing high-grade leathers that retain brightness without compromising strength or flexibility.
Tara Powder's low gallic acid concentration contributes to the longevity of leather, as it resists oxidation and fading even under prolonged exposure. With its application rate of 10-20% weight of fabric (WOF), Tara Powder offers both enhanced light and wash fastness. For deeper, darker shades such as black, a post-mordant treatment with 1% ferrous sulfate may be applied, providing rich, long-lasting color profiles that resist fading and wear.

• Dyeing with Tara Powder

In natural dyeing, Tara Powder provides a neutral beige hue without a mordant, shifting to shades of gray and black when ferrous sulfate is added. This versatility makes it suitable for dyeing cellulose-based fibers such as cotton, linen, and hemp. While hot dyeing methods are recommended for optimal absorption, the non-reactive, low-impact nature of Tara Powder ensures that fibers retain their structure and softness.

• Pharmaceutical Applications of Tara Powder

Beyond textile and leather dyeing, Tara Powder is a critical raw material in the pharmaceutical industry, specifically in the production of gallic acid. Gallic acid derivatives are instrumental in creating antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and other medicinal compounds.

• Beverage and Food Industry Uses

In the beverage industry, Tara Powder finds applications in wine and beer production, where it serves as a source of tannic acid for flavor and stability. Tannins play a vital role in imparting depth and complexity to the wine, enhancing its aging potential. By adding Tara Powder during the brewing and fermenting processes, manufacturers can achieve a desirable balance in taste and texture, enriching the overall quality of beverages.

It is important to note that our products are for research use only and are not for clinical use.