How to Use Common Pantry Foods and Spices to Naturally Dye Perfect Easter Eggs

Dying Easter eggs is a great activity for kids and adults to share. You can add a splash of fun and surprise by using foods and spices from your pantry and fridge. The resulting colors can vary from subtle to vibrant. So, prepare your hard boiled eggs, and get ready for an experience to “dye” for.

Here’s the basic recipe for natural egg dyes:

1. Combine water and white vinegar in a saucepan. Use 1 tablespoon white vinegar to each cup of water. This produces enough dye for one egg. Depending on the quantity of dye that you want, increase the water and vinegar amounts.
2. Add your dye ingredient to the water/vinegar mix, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 to 20 minutes.
3. Strain the dye into a heatproof container that will allow your egg/s to be completely submerged. Measuring cups, coffee mugs, and Mason jars work great.
4. Let the dye cool to room temperature. You can speed this along by putting the containers of dye in the refrigerator, or even in the freezer. But, remember to keep an eye on them if you opt for the freezer. You don’t want popsicles!
5. Submerge your hard boiled eggs in natural dye, and leave to soak for about 30 minutes. Check the intensity of the color. You can get more vibrant colors with longer—even overnight soaks in the fridge.
6. When you’re satisfied with the color, remove the egg from the dye bath with a slotted spoon or tongs. Let them dry on a wire rack.
7. When the naturally dyed eggs are thoroughly dry you can add sheen by polishing with a drop of cooking oil.

What Ingredients Give What Color?

Starting with 1¼ cup water and 1 T white vinegar:

• Skins from one large yellow onion = orange
• Skins from two large red onions = deep red
• ¾ cup shredded beets = pink to burgundy
• 2 T paprika = light orange
• 1 T turmeric = yellow
• ¾ cup chopped red cabbage = light blue
• 1¼ cup crushed blueberries (omit vinegar) = darker blue
• 1 cup spinach leaves = green

These dye ingredients are used by themselves and don’t require starting with the water/vinegar mix:

• Red wine = lavender to purple
• Extra strong black tea = burnt orange

Don’t hesitate to experiment with other foods and spices. I wonder if shredded carrots would work?