Posted by jsm on May 10, 2003 at 10:11:36:
In Reply to: forgive my ignorance, but.. posted by EdK on May 08, 2003 at 19:31:35:
::Could you tell my what it means to 'leach tannins'. I tried to look it up but was unable to find a definition. Thanks much. (man, I learn sooo much here :0))
:Tannins are weak organic acids that many plants and plant derived material contain (such as peat moss). These weak organic acids help to prevent insects and mammals from feeding upon the plant by making the plant bitter to the taste as well as limiting fungal/bacterial activity in decomposing the plant. Tannins can lower the pH of the water as well as discolor the water.
: good site to check out on tannins is http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/toxicagents/tannin/
:Hope this helps,
:Ed
