Easter arrives this Sunday and it's time for the tradition of dyeing Easter Eggs. Most of us have only used the synthetic dyes and kits out there in today's market. These kits contain ingredients that are harmful to the environment and ourselves. But fear not! There are plenty of natural ingredients we can use instead.
Here are some natural ingredients you can use to color your Easter Eggs:
Onion Skins-Red or brown skins can be used to create hues of red, orange, and brown. Simmer the skins in water for about an hour and let cool and strain the liquid. Add vinegar to help the color stick to the shells.
Blueberries-Boil fresh or frozen berries in water to reach a deep blue color. Strain then add vinegar to help the color stick to the shells.
Tumeric-This spice will give you a vibrant yellow color. Simply mix with water then add vinegar to help the color stick to the shells.
Spinach-Simmer spinach in water to create a pale green color. Add vinegar to help the color stick to the shells.
Beets-Boil fresh or canned beets to create a deep red or pink color. Add vinegar to help the color stick to the shells.
Begin by hard boiling your eggs and let them cool to room temperature. Boil your ingredients to make your colors for about an hour or so to create your colors. Strain out any solids and add vinegar to help with adhesion. Some will give you a more intense color the longer it's in the water. Note-tumeric will not need to be boiled. You can simply just mix the spice with water to the desired yellow color.
Dip your eggs in the colored liquids and let them sit for at least 5-10 minutes. The longer they sit in the color the more intensity you may get with your colors. You can also use rubber bands or stickers around your eggs to create designs. Once your eggs are dyed to the desired color let them sit to dry completely.
Experiment with different things you have in your kitchen! Also, most alternative or health food stores have powdered veggies you can buy to skip the boiling step if you don't have a lot of time. Not only are these versions better for the environment and your health, they can create unique colors you can't get from artificial dyes.
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