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Tannins

• Tannins are poly- (two or more) phenols.
  
  
• Tannins are found in wood (oak), bark (cinnamon), stems (grape stalks), leaves (tea leaves), skins (red grape skins) and seeds (grape seeds).
  
  
• Tannins bind with proteins such as the saliva in our mouth, leaving our mouth feeling dry and hence the astringent sensation of tannins.
  
  
• In the same way, some tannins can be finned out using proteins (e.g. prepared egg whites) as a finning agent.