theaflavin

chemical compound

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July 14, 2026

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Theaflavins are a group of naturally occurring pigments found in tea. They are a type of flavonoid, which are compounds that can impart yellow, red, or blue colors to plants. Specifically, theaflavins are formed during the oxidation process when tea leaves are processed to make black tea.123

These compounds are responsible for the reddish color and brisk taste of brewed black tea. Theaflavins are derived from tannins, which are also found in tea leaves and contribute to the beverage's astringency. While animals cannot synthesize flavonoids, they can obtain them from plant sources like tea.3412

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tea
Fermentation
…to form orange-red compounds called theaflavins. The theaflavins react with more units to form the thearubigins, which are responsible for the transformation of the leaf to a dark brown or coppery colour. The thearubigins also react with amino acids and sugars to form flavour compounds that may be partly lost…
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…to form orange-red compounds called theaflavins. The theaflavins react with more units to form the thearubigins, which are responsible for the transformation of the leaf to a dark brown or coppery colour. The thearubigins also react with amino acids and sugars to form flavour compounds that may be partly lost…
Read More