No need for artificial dyes when you gather natural ingredients to use instead
Hardboil eggs and allow them to cool completely. You can use white or brown eggs, but note that the colors will turn out differently on each.
Raid your pantry and fridge for ingredients that can be used as natural dyes including the following:
- Red or purple cabbage (for blue or purple dye)
- Turmeric powder (for yellow dye)
- Onion skins (for orange or brown dye)
- Spinach or parsley (for green dye)
- Beets (for pink or red dye)
- Coffee or black tea (for brown dye)
- Blueberries = blue eggs
- Dried hibiscus flowers = lavender or indigo
Prepare the dye: In separate pots, bring water to a boil and add your chosen natural dye ingredients. Use roughly 2 cups of water per dye ingredient. For example, for cabbage dye, chop a small head of red or purple cabbage and add it to a pot with 2 cups of water.
Allow the dye ingredients to simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the water has taken on a rich color. Remove the pots from heat and let the dye cool to room temperature.
Strain the Dye: Once cooled, strain the dye mixture to remove any solid pieces, leaving only the colored liquid behind.
Dye the Eggs: Carefully place your cooled, hard-boiled eggs into the dye baths. The longer you leave the eggs in the dye, the deeper the color will be. For lighter colors, you can leave the eggs in the dye for just a few minutes. For darker shades, leave them in for several hours or overnight. Make sure the eggs are fully submerged in the dye for even coloring.
Remove and Dry the Eggs: Once you've achieved your desired color, carefully remove the eggs from the dye baths using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place them on a wire rack or paper towels to dry completely.
Optional: If you want to add a shiny finish to your dyed eggs, you can rub them with a little vegetable oil once they're dry.
Once dry, your naturally dyed Easter eggs are ready to be displayed or used for egg hunts and other festivities!