Ditch Chemical Laden Dyes and Use Nature’s Recipes Instead
Did you know that most food colorings and dyes including the ones found in Easter egg dyes are not only toxic but are banned in other countries? There has been compelling research linking dyes to allergic reactions, hyperactivity, and even cancer. Why not ditch the chemical laden dyes and use nature’s recipe instead? DIY dyes are easy to make and are, arguably, more fun! It makes a wonderful activity for kiddos and new family tradition.
Try these easy egg dye recipe to make a natural dye for coloring Easter eggs. Egg coloring made Turmeric, beets, cumin, blueberries, red cabbage and spinach make amazing shade of the rainbow. For best results, be sure to soak your eggs in the dye for at least 4 hours, but not longer than 24 hours.
Tools and Materials
Distilled vinegar
Raw eggs
Pot of water
Salt
For Various Egg Colors:
Cumin (creates a orange egg)
Blueberries (creates a bluish/purple egg)
Beets (creates a pink egg)
Spinach (creates a greenish egg)
Turmeric (creates a yellow egg)
Red cabbage (creates a bluish egg)
*For best results, wipe the eggshells with vinegar to help them absorb the dye. *
Blue Dye (Red Cabbage)
1. Fill pot with 2 cups water, add 1/4 head red cabbage, cut into 2-inch chunks into the boiling water.
3. Boil for 30 minutes, than strain the cabbage water into bowl.
4. Add 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
5. Place hard-boiled eggs into mixture. Soak for a minimum of 4 hours up to 24 hours for brilliant color
Orange Dye (Cumin)
1. Fill a pot with two quarts of water, 4 tablespoons vinegar, and 6 tablespoons turmeric.
2. Place hard-boiled eggs into mixture. Soak for a minimum of 4 hours up to 24 hours for brilliant color
Lavender Dye (Blueberries)
1. Fill a pot with 4 cups of water, add 4 cups of blueberries & 1/4 cup of vinegar.
2. Boil for 15-20 minutes. Strain the water into a bowl.
3. Place hard-boiled eggs into color and soak for minimum of 4 hours up to 24 hours in the fridge.
Pink Dye (Beets)
1. Fill a pot with 4 cups of water, add 4 cups chopped beets & a 1/4 cup vinegar.
2. Boil for 15-20 minutes. Strain water into a bowl
3. Place hard-boiled eggs into color for 4 hours up to 24 hours in the fridge.
Light Green Dye (Spinach)
1. Fill a pot with 4 cups of water, add 1 frozen package of spinach & 1/4 cups of vinegar.
2. Boil for 15 minutes. Strain water into a bowl.
3. Place hard-boiled eggs into color for 4 hours up to 24 hours in the fridge.
Yellow Dye (Turmeric)
1. Fill a pot with two quarts of water, 4 tablespoons vinegar, and 6 tablespoons turmeric.
2. Place eggs into color. To make a green egg, place it first into cabbage color, than place it into the turmeric.
Sources
1. David W. Freeman. “Food Dyes Linked to Allergies, ADHD and Cancer: Group Calls on U.S. to Outlaw Their Use.” CBS News June 29, 2010. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20009228-10391704.html.
2. Mary Clare Jalonick, “FDA Panel Votes to Study Food Dyes, Hyperactivity,” Bangor Daily News, March 31, 2011. http://new.bangordailynews.com/2011/03/31/health/fda-panel-votes-to-study-food-dyes-hyperactivity/?ref=relatedBox.
