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–+ servings
easter eggs dyed dark blue alongside blueberries

How to Dye Easter Eggs Naturally

Science meets art when you dye eggs with natural ingredients that you have right in the kitchen.
5 from 2 votes
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Dyeing Time: 10 hours
Total Time: 10 hours
Yield: 1 dozen
Author: Kris Bordessa, National Geographic author

Equipment

  • Wide mouth jars
  • Spoons

Ingredients

  • Hard boiled eggs

Blue

  • ½ head red cabbage 2 - 3 cups
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar

Dark blue

  • 2 cups blueberries fresh or frozen
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar

Dark green

  • 6 Chlorophyll tablets available at health food stores
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar

Yellow

Light green

  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar

Pink/Red

  • Fresh beets
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar

Brown

  • 2 cups strongly brewed coffee

Instructions

To prepare the dye for everything but the coffee:

  • Place water, vinegar, and the selected vegetable, roughly cut if necessary, into a medium saucepan.
  • Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes with the lid on.
  • Remove from heat. Allow to cool for 10 minutes. Pour the dye through a fine mesh strainer.
  • To dye eggs, place two boiled eggs in a jar. Pour the dye or coffee over to cover. For the deepest coloring, place the lids on the jars and refrigerate overnight.
  • Carefully remove the eggs from the dye and transfer to a wire cooling rack. Allow to dry completely before touching to avoid disturbing the dye.

Notes

  • Eggs dyed naturally will differ in color and intensity from those made with chemical dyes. Half the fun is seeing what they look like after they emerge from the dye!
Did you make this recipe?Mention @attainablesustainable or tag #attainablesustainable!