Also known as: Peruvian carob · Tara tannin

Tara Powder is a vegetable tannin of the pyrogallic type, produced from the seed pods of Caesalpinia spinosa, a shrub native to the valleys of the Andes in Peru. The pods contain 43–51% tannin, making tara a reliable and sustainable source for natural dyeing. Traditionally, it has been used in leather tanning for producing a pale, high-quality base, as well as in inks and deep black dyes.

In natural dyeing and botanical printing, tara yields a clear, warm beige on its own and shifts to deep greys and blacks with the addition of iron. It is especially valued as a base tannin on cellulose fibres and as an assistant to improve both lightfastness and washfastness of other natural dyes. A staple tannin in many dye studios, tara is often used as a first step in building complex, layered colour.

Our tara is sustainably harvested by local farmers without damaging the plants. The crop helps prevent soil erosion while providing vital income for rural communities.

Active dye compounds
Pyrogallic tannins (hydrolysable tannins, rich in gallic acid)

CI number
Not assigned

Shading tips

• Without mordant: clear beige
• With iron (1% ferrous sulfate): grey to deep black
• As an adjunct: improves lightfastness of most natural dyes
• Fibre affinity: especially effective on cellulose; more subtle on protein fibers