Due to concerns in the news about the effects of artificial coloring and dyes, many large companies are moving away from using these types of dyes. (Learn more from Forbes and Special Education Degrees). However, while it is becoming increasingly easier to buy food using exclusively natural dyes, solutions are still needed for many common traditions such as dyeing eggs. Luckily, dyeing eggs doesn’t have to be limited to the restraints of artificial colors. Many natural alternatives for dyeing eggs can be found either right in your pantry or at your local The Spice & Tea Exchange®! *Due to popularity for natural egg dyes, we have added more fun colors, patterns, and product ideas for you to try! Learn how to obtain the color you want, tips & tricks, and additional instructions below!
Depth of color, generated from any natural substance, will vary depending on a number of conditions:
- Type of water used: whenever possible, use distilled water, as chlorinated water and water treated by a water softener will make it difficult to achieve beautiful results.
- Extracting the maximum amount of color out of the produce, i.e. spice, tea, or produce, by boiling it for at least 1-15 minutes will assist in achieving richer, more vibrant colors.
- Once you have extracted the depth of color you are looking for, straining and removing solids from the liquid will give you the ability for an overall uniform color. Whereas coloring with solids and liquid together, will create more speckled and patterned colors.
- To make the inside of the eggs marbled/colored, tap the cooked egg shell with a knife in a straight line around the edge OR tap the cooked egg shell with the back of the spoon randomly (more of a spider web effect).
A wide spectrum of colors is available from a selection of spices, teas, and produce. When coloring eggs naturally, there are a couple things to keep in mind when deciding on which colors your trying to achieve:
- Using spices & teas will generally yield warmer tones of yellow, gold, orange, red, and brown.
- Using fresh produce such as blueberries, purple cabbage, and spinach bring on a much cooler palette of blue and green.
- Keep in mind that artificial dyes are relatively flavorless. When you switch to using a natural dye such as spices, teas, or produce, these items have flavor to them. As a result, your egg may retain a small amount of the dyeing agent’s flavor.
Select from a wide spectrum of colors to dye your eggs:
We recommend (3-4 tbsp.) of each spice or tea blend below for best color pigment results.
- Beet Root Powder – light pink
- Turmeric – yellow
- Light Chili Powder – tan/light orange
- Blood-Orange Smoothie Herbal Tea – copper/bronze
- Blueberry Black Tea – reddish/burgundy brown
- Dried Hibiscus Flowers – dark purple
- Berry Bouquet Herbal Tea – blue/grey
Using 1-2 cups of each ingredient below for best color pigment results.
- Blueberries – dark blue/grey
- Spinach – pale green
Begin dyeing eggs naturally now!
Instructions for cooking and coloring eggs at the same time:
Use a separate pan for each color.
Add 2 Tbs. white vinegar, eggs, 2-3 Tbs. spice, tea, or produce (chopped) item, and just enough distilled water to cover the eggs. Less water will help concentrate the final color.
Bring to a boil, and continue to boil for 1-2 minutes. Remove pan from heat and let sit 17 minutes.
Transfer eggs and liquid to a stain resistant bowl and allow to cool completely. Cover with plastic wrap and place bowl in refrigerator for several hours or overnight to achieve deepest colors.
Instructions for coloring eggs after they are hard cooked:
Bring distilled water to a boil in a large pot.
While the water heats, place 3 to 4 Tablespoons of each spice or botanical in a separate heat-safe and stain-resistant container (roughly 1-quart capacity. Add 2 Tablespoons of white vinegar.
To each container, carefully add 16 ounces (2 cups) of boiling water and stir. Let each mixture steep for 10 to 15 minutes to develop color.
Place 3 eggs into each of four colored liquids and gently stir and set aside.
After 20 minutes, cover each container and refrigerate for 5 to 8 hours to maximize color development.
Remove the dyed eggs from containers and set aside for 20 to 25 minutes to dry before handling. For the hibiscus-dyed eggs, first rinse them under running water to remove any flower solids that may have adhered to the egg if necessary.