What Are Tannins in Tea?
If you are a regular tea-drinker, y'all may have heard about tannins before and wondered just what are tannins in tea and what they do for us. Few people know what they are and what they are about. Without that knowledge, it can be easy to assume there is something wrong about tannins. Knowledge is power as a tea drinker, and we can help you with tannin information!
What are tannins in tea? Essentially, tannins are a kind of plant compound that is naturally found in the tea plant. Tannins are classified as phenolic compounds, which means that they bind and create proteins. As well as being found in tea, you find tannins in many other foods such as grapes, blueberries and chocolate.
Tannins are probably most known to tea-drinkers for their slightly astringent taste, with a hint of bitterness to them. The theory is because bitterness is often an unpleasant taste, the tannins act as a defense mechanism, making the plant unpalatable. Of course, what the tea plant doesn’t know is that humans absolutely love the taste of tannins! Read more about tannins below.
Tannins In Tea Vs Coffee
You might be wondering: Does coffee have tannins too? And if so, how much does it have in comparison to your average cup of tea?
The answer is yes: Coffee does also contain tannins. That explains why coffee also has a distinctly bitter taste.
Does Tea Have More Tannins Than Coffee?
Tea has more tannins than coffee. Specifically, black tea typically has more tannins than coffee. So, while both contain tannins, you are going to get much more with tea.
Which Tea Has the Most Tannins?
Black tea has the highest rate of tannins because they contain high levels of phenolic flavor compounds. The tannins also provide black tea with its unique astringent taste.
Tea Without Tannins
Tannins are not for everybody. Some people find that the taste is just a little too
bitter and astringent - a sure sign that the plant’s defense mechanisms does work sometimes!
There are many teas you can drink which do not contain tannins. Bear in mind that this relies upon a broadening of the definition of ‘tea.’ Anything that comes from the tea plant (camellia sinensis) will contain tannins, as the plant itself naturally does. But there are many other plants which we can brew and drink in the same way as tea, which contain far less tannins or no tannins at all.
To compare: Black tea has the highest tannin concentration and green tea has the lowest number of tannins. In the middle, you have teas like oolong. You can also find a difference of tannin levels in organic versus non-organic teas. Organic teas generally contain more tannins.
Tannins Benefits
There is a potential antioxidant effect caused by tannins. Tea works to help everyone in different ways and it’s important that you choose a tea that you enjoy and works best for your body.
Drink Southern Breeze Tea Today
Armed with more knowledge about the benefits of tea, it’s time to make a delicious cup or pitcher of Southern Breeze Sweet Tea today, Sweeties! Try a Cold Brew Sweet Iced Tea Bundle to try some of our new flavors and don’t forget an Original Sweet Iced Tea 22 Ct 6 pack for the whole family.
Contact us today y'all, and learn more about our Southern Breeze sweet tea benefits!