Coloring Easter eggs the natural way

April 6, 12:06 PMCharleston Green Living ExaminerPatti Romano

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The beautiful colors of naturally dyed Easter eggs

Would you ever think of using blueberries, strawberries, beet juice, coffee, or tea to dye Easter eggs... the natural way?

The egg is a symbol of new life, a new beginning. At Easter time the egg is a symbol of rebirth, of renewed life. Why taint that joy with the possible health dangers artificial food colors, even those used in Easter egg dye, produce? Did you know that six of the seven FD&C approved artificial colors for foods have been linked to increased hyperactivity disorder in children? Did you know that last spring the British Food Standards Agency recommended that ministers call for manufacturers to remove six artificial colours from food production by the end of 2009, and lobby for a European Union-wide ban? Then why shouldn't you and your family remove as many artificial food colors from your life as well?

This spring, why not revive some old-fashioned traditions and teach your children to dye eggs with natural ingredients? It's a great way to talk about using the gifts we get from the Earth and a fun way for kids to experiment with safe, natural ingredients.

To save you some time, I've compiled a list of the most eggs-traspecial ingredients for Easter egg dying. Since small children will want to see results fairly quickly, this list will prevent some teary disappointments. Let your children know ahead of time that the natural colors will be softer than colors from the artificial coloring tablets. Take this opportunity to explain why you are using natural ingredients as well.

After you hard boil the eggs you are going to dye, gently scrub each egg with a toothbrush and then pat the eggs dry. This will remove any residue that may prevent the dye from adhering to the eggshell.

Remember, the longer you soak the eggs in the natural dye, the deeper the color of the egg. Very important: Avoid touching the wet eggs! Carefully remove the eggs from the dye cups with a spoon and put them on a rack to dry completely. If little fingers touch the eggs before they are thoroughly dry, the natural dye will rub right off along with the smile on your child's face. Also remember, natural dyes will not have a shiny finish. When the dyed eggs are dry, rub vegetable oil on the eggs to give them a shine like the eggs in the photos.

Blueberries, strawberries, coffee, and tea make wonderful natural egg dyes

 
Easter egg dyed naturally with beet juice

Here's some of the colors I've had the most egg-straordinary success with this year:

Blue:
Puree 1/2 cup frozen blueberries in a blender or mini food processor. Add 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil in a small pot or heat for 3 minutes in the microwave. Strain the fruit from the boiled mixture. Add 2 tablespoons white vinegar.

Pink:
Use 1 cup beet juice drained from canned beets or 1 1/2 cups cranberry juice. Add 2 tablespoons white vinegar to the juice.

Pale Pink:
Puree 5 whole frozen strawberries in a blender or mini food processor. Add 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil in a small pot or heat for 3 minutes in the microwave. Strain the fruit from the boiled mixture.  Add 2 tablespoons white vinegar.

Purple:
Mix 1 1/2 cups grape juice straight from the bottle with 2 tablespoons white vinegar.

 
Easter egg dyed naturally with coffee

Green:
Prepare blueberry mix above. Add 2 tablespoons tumeric and 2 tablespoons white vinegar.

Light orange/brown:
Boil enough water for 2 cups of tea. Add 2 tea bags and 2 tablespoons vinegar.

Java Brown:
Mix 1 cup of hot or cold coffee, 2 teaspoons of used coffee grounds and 2 tablespoons white vinegar.

Golden yellow:
Boil the skin of 3 red onions in 2 cups of water. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar.

Bright yellow:
Boil 1/2 tsp. celery seed boiled in 2 cups water. Don't add vinegar or the yellow color will disappear instantly!

Yellow:
Add 1 tablespoon tumeric to hot water and 3 tablespoons white vinegar.

Orange:
Boil 1 tablespoon paprika in 1 1/2 cups water. Add 3 tablespoons vinegar.

Easter egg dyed naturally with blueberries

If you've had success with a natural Easter egg dye, we welcome you to share your tips. Just post your comment below.

Have a healthy, natural Easter this year. Share nature's gifts of life with your children... and they will follow your eggs-ample and pass these traditions  on to their own families someday.

Happy Easter! Happy Spring!