These all-natural dyes are easy and fun to make, even before you start coloring the eggs. Dyeing eggs is a great party activity, and the bonus is gorgeous table decorations you can create with your colored eggs and Easter “grass,” either store bought or collected from your own yard.
Preparation
TO MAKE DYES
DARK BLUE AND LIGHT BLUE-GREEN DYES
Add 4 cups of water to a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Slice half of a head of red cabbage into half-inch-thick ribbons and add to the pot. Boil for 15 minutes. Remove the cabbage from the purple liquid (you may discard or eat the cabbage). Divide the liquid into 2 containers—one for dark blue dye and the other for light blue-green dye. Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to 1 container—this will make dark blue dye. Add 2 teaspoons of baking soda to the other—this will make a light blue-green dye.
LAVENDER DYE
Add 1 cup frozen blueberries to 1½ cups very hot water. Using a stick blender (or regular blender), blend the berries and water. Pour into a deep bowl or jar.
YELLOW DYE
Add 1½ cups of water to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Remove the pan from heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons of ground powdered turmeric and 2 teaspoons of white vinegar. Pour into a deep bowl or jar.
BROWN DYE
Add 1½ cups of water to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the skins of 4 red onions. Boil for 10 minutes. Discard the skins and pour the liquid into a deep bowl or jar and add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
GREEN DYE
Whisk 1 tablespoon matcha (green tea) powder into 1½ cups very hot water until fully dissolved.
TO DYE EGGS
Prepare your preferred dyes and allow them to cool to room temperature. These may be kept in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Hard-boil white eggs according to your favorite method and cool to room temperature.
Using a slotted spoon, place hard-boiled eggs into the bowls of dye. You may place multiple eggs into each bowl, but be sure that the eggs are completely covered in the liquid, adding a bit of water, if necessary. Refrigerate the eggs in the liquid until they reach the desired color. With these natural dyes, this will take at least a few hours, or overnight. TO FINISH EGGS Using a slotted spoon (to protect your fingers), remove eggs from dyes. Dry eggs using a paper towel or cloth, then gently rub with a small amount of vegetable oil to add shine.
TO FINISH EGGS
Using a slotted spoon (to protect your fingers), remove eggs from dyes. Dry eggs using a paper towel or cloth, then gently rub with a small amount of vegetable oil to add shine.
