By: Lindsay and: RustinaContributing Writers
The world of natural dyes is so fun and fascinating. From berries to leaves to roots, humans use the resources around us to add color to our everyday items. In line with what? feels Similar to the ancient tradition, we wanted to try using these same techniques to dye a more modern tradition, Easter eggs.
We researched methods of using food for natural dyes and wanted to share our experience and results with you.
Why can foods color eggs?
There are many compounds in food that cause colors. These same compounds can be used to make natural dyes. Some color-producing compounds are carotenoids, flavins, melanins, quinins, and tannins. There are also other compounds. It’s great that there are so many possibilities so that we don’t lose hope artificial food dyes with their potential side effects.
The colors of each of these compounds can be changed by changing the pH. This is where using vinegar and baking soda comes in. For example, another compound that provides color pigmentation to foods, called anthocyanin, has different stability levels at different pH levels. They are more stable at acidic levels, bringing out more red pigment. Higher levels or more alkaline levels create a less stable and therefore lighter color effect, especially for blues (baking soda creates more alkalinity).
Pop or flop?
Our dyes.
Cranberry
Blackberry juice
Purple cabbage and turmeric
Paprika
Parsley
Red onion skins
Yellow onion skins
Spinach
carrot
Black beans
Black tea
Coffee
Grape juice
Red Zinger Hibiscus Tea
Color extraction methods
These dyes can be used to dye eggs, fabric, wool, yarn, paper or anything else. For more tips and inspiration, check this out video!
Fresh food color extraction.
Step 1: Place 1 cup chopped fresh herb/fruit/vegetables in a small pot on the stove or in the Instant Pot.
Step 2: Add 1 cup of water and simmer for 1 hour.
Step 3: After cooling, strain and pour into a container.
To use or store: It can be used immediately or refrigerated for 1-2 weeks (depending on the properties of the herb/food).
Extraction of dried food color.
Step 1: Pour ¼ cup powder or ½ cup small, chopped herb/fruit/vegetable into a small saucepan or Instant Pot on the stove.
Step 2: Add 1 cup of water and simmer for 1 hour.
Step 3: After cooling, strain and pour into a container.
To use or store: It can be used immediately or refrigerated for 1-2 weeks (depending on the properties of the herb/food).
Multi-Food Color Extraction
If you have several that you want to make at once, you can make a homemade double boiler with several jars.
Step 1: Pour 1 cup of chopped fresh herb/fruit/vegetables into a wide-mouthed container.
Step 2: Add 1 cup of water to each container.
Step 3: Place the jars in a wide pot of water (aim to bring water ½ deep beyond the outside of the jars. Use the lidded rings on the bottom of the jars to create a thin space between the jar and the pot.
Step 4: After the jars are in the pot, turn the burner to low/low/medium and let simmer for 1 hour.
Step 5: After cooling, strain and pour each into a new container. You can use a tea towel with a lid as a strainer. Drain excess water from herbs/food as well.
To use or store: It can be used immediately or refrigerated for 1-2 weeks (depending on the properties of the herb/food).
How to use dyes
You can use the dyes as soon as they cool down or place them in containers with lids and store them in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. They can be used for eggs, fabric, paper, or any craft that uses water-based paints.
Tips for better coloring.
- Soak the eggs in the dye overnight
- Add vinegar for better results
Other ideas to add to your eggs
To add some texture or fun to your naturally dyed eggs, try some of these ideas:
- Before adding the egg, add enough rice to the paint to surround the egg after it is submerged
- Wrap hard-boiled eggs in shells, leaves, or sheets while they are cooking.
- Press the flower onto the egg before placing it in the dye or while the egg is still wet
- Draw a picture with beeswax or candelilla candle
- Mix colors to create a custom color or a brighter color.
Notes:
From Lindsey.
As things go for moms, the day I decided to try this experiment was also the day the oven decided to stop working. I turned to my Instant Pot hoping to be able to produce similar results to the stovetop versions. I made my eggs in the Instant Pot as well as the dyes.
From Rustina.
The dyes worked well on the fabric, but I was a little disappointed (or maybe too impatient lol) with the color of the egg. I have mostly brown eggs here from my chickens, so those probably played a part in the coloring as well (although I did aim to use the lightest shades of sun).
Conclusion
Pop or flop, dying eggs with food was a common learning experience for all. Even though we had done some research before we died, we were still surprised by the results. The experience was overwhelming for both of us. Almost none of the colors worked, and the ones that did had the potential to be washed out.
But we’ll both say this, the kids smile at the (slightly rotten) smell of an assortment of fruits, herbs, spices and vegetables all mixed together is priceless. We laughed at how frustrating the colorings were, and it feels good to check the experience off the menu.