How To Dye Easter Eggs Naturally
INGREDIENTS/TOOLS NEEDED:
Natural dye materials: Red/Pink - raw beets; Blue - purple grape juice or purple cabbage; Yellow - turmeric; Orange - yellow onion peels; Purple - beet kvass; strongly brewed hibiscus tea - Dark green; and the list could go on...
Filtered water
1 tablespoon vinegar per dye color
Pots for simmering ingredients and boiling eggs
Mesh strainer
Small bowls
Eggs
Coconut or olive oil (optional – for adding luster to eggs)
DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING EASTER EGG DYE:
Bring dye matter and water to a boil. Turn heat down to low and simmer, covered, for 15-60 minutes until the desired color is reached. Keep in mind that the eggs will be several shades lighter, so it’s best to go for deep, rich hues.
Remove liquid from the heat and let cool to room temperature.
Pour dye through a mesh strainer into bowls/mason jars and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar for each cup of dye liquid.
Add hardboiled eggs to dye and place in the fridge until the desired color is reached. I started mine in the early afternoon and let them sit overnight.
DIRECTIONS FOR EGGS:
Add eggs to a medium pot and cover with cold water. Bring the pot to a boil. Once it’s rolling turn off the heat and cover the pot. After 10 minutes, place eggs in a bowl of cold water and let sit until they’re cool to the touch.
Drain bowl and replace with warm, soapy water – I use Castille soap. Gently rub eggs with a washcloth or your thumb to remove oils that prohibit natural dyes from adhering as effectively to the eggshell.
Lower egg into the dye and place them in the fridge. Soak until your desired color is reached.
When the eggs are ready, scoop them out with a spoon and place on a drying rack or an upside-down egg carton.
Naturally-dyed eggs have a matte finish. If you’d like to add a little luster, rub with a drop or two of coconut or olive oil.