Dying eggs with natural pigments

This Easter, skip the store-bought dyes and embrace the magic of nature's vibrant palette. We're all about celebrating each season with what is fresh from our garden, and Easter egg decorating is no exception! From marigold yellow to poppy red to cornflower blue, get ready to transform plain white eggs into colorful, seasonal decorations using ingredients you might already have on hand.

While it may take a bit more time than using store-bought dyes, the anticipation of how they will turn out makes the effort well worth the wait. This natural approach to dyeing transforms the process into a delightful experiment. You'll be amazed by the vibrant hues your garden yields, and the surprise of each unveiled egg adds a touch of magic to the Easter season.

What you'll need

• Glass jars or Tupperware containers with lids, one for each dye

• White vinegar (this helps the dye adhere to the eggshell)

• Hard-boiled eggs

• Materials for making each dye, see below for colors*

  • Red - shredded red beets, 2 cups

  • Orange - chili powder, 3 tlbs

  • Yellow - turmeric or cumin, 3 tlbs

  • Green - spinach or parsley, 2 cups

  • Blue – shredded red cabbage, 2 cups

*Feel free to experiment with other materials. Anything that dyes your skin should work as an egg dye.

Method

1. Bring 2 cups water to a rolling boil.

2. Add dye ingredients.

3. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or longer for the deepest color.

4. Strain liquid into a jar or Tupperware, and allow to cool to room temperature.

5. Stir in 2 tablespoons white vinegar and add your hard-boiled eggs.

6. Close the jar, and refrigerate overnight or until the egg is the desired color.

7. Dry eggs on a bed of paper towel. Optionally, you can rub dry eggs with a bit of vegetable oil for a shiny finish.

With a little creativity and a trip to your garden, you can bring vibrant colors and a touch of eco-friendly fun to your Easter egg decorating. So, gather your foraged finds, hard-boil those eggs, and get ready to hatch some truly unique and beautiful creations. Happy Easter!