How to make naturally dyed Easter eggs

Skip the egg coloring kits from the store this year and make your own natural dyes for Easter eggs. Natural dyes will create pastel shades.

Whole Foods Market explains how to make natural dyes for Easter eggs. The company suggests adding the vinegar after the water and dyes have been boiled, but we added it before the water boiled.

Shopping list

• Eggs (to hard boil)
• White distilled vinegar
• Canned beets
• Grape juice concentrate
• Ground turmeric

• Medium pot
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Jars or other containers (to dye eggs in)
• Strainer
• Tongs
• Paper towels (to dry eggs off, if dipping in two colors)

To make natural red/pink dye:

1. Add 2 cups water, 2 cups beets (and juice) and 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar.
2. Bring to a boil.
3. Cover, then reduce heat to medium-low.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Remove from heat.
6. Use a strainer to remove any solids.
7. Allow to cool to warm temperature.
8. Transfer dye to a jar or container to dip eggs.
9. Place eggs in dyed water. Remove once desired shade of red/pink is achieved.

To make natural blue/purple dye:

1. Add 2 cups water, 2 cups grape juice concentrate and 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar.
2. Bring to a boil.
3. Cover, then reduce heat to medium-low.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Remove from heat.
6. Use a strainer to remove any solids.
7. Allow to cool to warm temperature.
8. Transfer dye to a jar or container to dip eggs.
9. Place eggs in dyed water. Remove once desired shade of blue/purple is achieved.

To make natural yellow dye:

1. Add 2 cups water, 2 tablespoons ground turmeric and 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar.
2. Bring to a boil.
3. Cover, then reduce heat to medium-low.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Remove from heat.
6. Use a strainer to remove any solids.
7. Allow to cool to warm temperature.
8. Transfer dry to a jar or container to dip eggs.
9. Place eggs in dyed water. Remove once desired shade of yellow is achieved.

Other colors of natural dye

You can make additional colors, like orange, green and purple, by first dipping eggs in one color, wiping dry and then dipping in a second color. Other ingredients will also work to create colors:

• Red/pink: paprika, cranberry juice concentrate
• Orange: ground turmeric and beet juice
• Yellow: yellow onion skins
• Green: kale or spinach
• Blue: canned blueberries, red cabbage
• Purple (lavender): red onion skins
• Brown: strong brewed coffee or tea

Keep in mind that natural dyes will not be as vivid as artificial dyes, according to Penn State Extension. To control the shade, experiment with the length of dyeing time.

Have you made these naturally dyed Easter eggs? Let us know what you think in the comments below!