Nothing feels quite as fresh and cheery as a breezy Sunday. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and resting mode is in full swing. This time of year, the focus turns to fresh and natural as the flowers begin to bloom. It’s only logical that your eggs should follow suit! That’s why we’ve created this guide on how to make natural egg dye.
Nontoxic, festive, and safe, these natural egg dyes allow you to wave goodbye to the harsh chemicals found in store-bought egg kits. We love these dyes for their organic feel and their diverse appeal. While they’re safe and fun for kids to help make, they’re also beautiful enough for a formal dinner place setting. Ready to make some? Simply pick up the dye material of your choice at the supermarket along with the rest of your dinner ingredients.
What You’ll Need
You only need a few ingredients to make beautifully vibrant and natural eggs! Start by collecting all of the basic supplies and one or two of your favorite dye matters.
Ingredients and supplies:
- Vinegar
- Salt
- Water
- Saucepan
- Strainer
- Spoon
- Dye matter of choice
- Large rimmed container
- Hard boiled eggs
How to Make the Dye
If you can boil water, you can make natural egg dye! This process is so easy that you can make more than one dye at once. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different dye matters.
All of these natural dyes for eggs can be made using the same simple instructions.
- Combine one cup of water and your dye material in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.
- Once the dye liquid is boiling, turn the heat down and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Tip: Let the dye boil for a longer time if you want it to be darker. Let the dye boil for less time if you want it to be lighter.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the dye cool for 30 minutes.
- Pour the dye through a strainer and into another pan.
- Mix in a tablespoon of vinegar and pinch of salt for each cup of liquid that you used.
How to Dye the Eggs
Unlike conventional store-bought dyes, natural egg dye takes longer to work. Be sure to plan ahead, because your eggs need to sit in dye for at least eight hours.
- Place the eggs in a single layer in a rimmed container.
- Pour one color of dye over the eggs until they are submerged.
- Carefully place the container of eggs and dye in the refrigerator.
- Let the eggs sit in the refrigerator overnight or for about eight hours.
- In the morning, remove the eggs from the tray and dab away excess dye from each egg with a paper towel.
- Dispose of any dye left in your container.
- Enjoy your beautiful naturally dyed eggs!
Natural Egg Dye Color Variations
No matter what color egg you’re dreaming of this spring, there’s a natural dye that can create it! Simply choose which dye ingredients are right for you.
Additional Dye Ingredients:
One Cup Red Onion Skins
- Turns white eggs red
- Turns brown eggs light purple
One Cup Yellow Onion Skins
- Turns white eggs orange
- Turns brown eggs brownish red
One Cup Beets
- Turns white eggs pink
- Turns brown eggs deep red
Three Tablespoons Dill Seed
- Turns white eggs gold-brown
- Turns brown eggs darker brown
One Cup Spinach
- Turns white eggs light green
- Turns brown eggs dark green
Three Tablespoons Chili powder
- Turns white eggs golden-orange
- Turns brown eggs deep orange
Now that you know how to dye eggs naturally, the possibilities for what you can create are limitless. Try creating rainbow, ombre, or dip-dye eggs, and don’t forget to nestle them all in a cute basket. Hide some in the yard for your little ones, create a gorgeous natural centerpiece at the dinner table, or deliver them to a neighbor along with a festive dessert. Happy dyeing!
Sources
www.thekitchn.com | www.bhg.com | www.rodalesorganiclife.com | www.brit.co