Coloring Easter Eggs Naturally

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Dyeing Easter eggs is a fun tradition that lets you experience a little creativity and can even make a nice little science project. If you’ve never made your own dyes, it can be very satisfying to know you can get some pretty amazing colors right from nature’s bounty. So if you’re up for it, skip the store bought food coloring and go all natural this year!

In this post I will show you how coloring Easter eggs naturally can be accomplished using veggies, fruits, spices and other natural ingredients.

Colors From Natural Ingredients

Here is a list of colors you can make from foods, spices, and other natural ingredients:

• Pink
  • 1/2 cup shredded beets
• Orange                                                                                    
  • 1 cup yellow onion skins (about 3 onions) OR 3 TB chili powder
    
• Yellow

  

  • 3 TB ground turmeric
• Green
  • Dip egg in turmeric solution (yellow) and purple cabbage solution (blue)
• Light Blue
  • 1 1/12 cups purple cabbage
• Dark Blue
  • 1 cup of blueberries OR 2 Cups *blueberry or grape juice
• Purple
  • 1 cup red onion skins (about 3 onions)
• Brown
  • 1 bag of black tea OR 1 cup brewed coffee

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How To Make Natural Dye

Once you choose the colors you want to make and have your ingredients ready to go, follow these steps to create the dye:

Materials:

• large pot(s) to boil and simmer ingredients
• filtered water
• mason jars
• strainer or cheesecloth
• slotted spoon or tongs
• vinegar
• hard-boiled eggs
• olive oil (optional)
• towel for drying eggs

Directions:

1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add the coloring ingredient and simmer on a low for 30 – 60 minutes (a longer amount of time will give you a deeper more vibrant color).
3. Strain the liquid into a mason jar or other container that will fit up to 3 eggs.
4. Let cool until liquid is lukewarm.
5. Add 2 TB of vinegar to the liquid and stir.
6. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, add 3 eggs to the jar and place in refrigerator overnight (If you want darker colors, they can sit in liquid up to 3 days).
7. Take them out of the liquid and dry off.
8. Rub a little olive oil to give them a nice shine (optional).

Tips for Coloring Your Easter Eggs Naturally

There are a few things I’ve learned over the past twenty-plus years that I’ve been dyeing eggs! Don’t forget to follow these tips:

*If you aren’t going to dye your eggs right after boiling them, then make sure you set your refrigerated eggs on the counter for about 20-30 minutes to bring them to room temperature. The dye will take much better.

*Don’t forget the vinegar. Vinegar is an acid that helps break down the shell so that it can absorb color.

*It is best to use warm dye.

*Bueberry Juice and Grape Juice can be used straight out of the container, no need to simmer,

*The longer you can let your eggs sit in the natural dye, the darker they will be.

*It is best to use white eggs for natural dye, brown eggs change color a little but it is much more subtle.

Conclusion

Natural dye is usually a lot lighter than food coloring, nevertheless, you can achieve some beautiful and colorful Easter eggs by using natural ingredients. It’s kind of fun experimenting with different ingredients and letting some eggs sit in the dye longer than others.

And remember, it’s super empowering to be able to make your own stuff from nature!!

HAPPY EASTER!

If you have questions or comments reach out in the comment section below!

See you soon, In The Kitchen With Me!

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