Aleppo oak gallnuts are one of the most concentrated natural sources of tannin, prized for centuries in both dyeing and ink-making. Harvested from the Aleppo oak (Quercus infectoria) in Turkey, these spiky, round galls contain 60–70% ellagic tannins — among the highest of any plant material.

The light yellow granular powder is easy to handle. Gallnut tannin is considered one of the best options for mordanting cellulose fibers and is a staple in eco-printing for improving color fastness and saturation.

Active dye components: ellagic tannins, gallic acid derivatives
CI Natural Dye Number: none assigned

Shading Tips

• On its own: light beiges on wool, silk, and cotton
• With iron (ferrous sulfate): greys to deep blacks
• As a tannin base, it improves fastness and depth when layered with other natural dyes
• Essential in traditional black ink recipes (oak gall + iron salts)