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Coloring Easter Eggs Naturally

April 4, 2012

No more fizzy tablets! No more crazy pouches of coloring! Yes we are obsessed with doing things the hard way at times, but this year you may want to think about tossing out the store bought kits! Enjoy a great afternoon of fun while teaching your kids a little bit of a science lesson! This year say no to uncertain dyes and yes to organic Easter egg coloring!

To obtain different colors for your Easter eggs, use the following materials:
Blue
Canned Blueberries
Red Cabbage Leaves (boiled)
Purple Grape Juice

Brown
Strong Coffee
Instant Coffee
Black Walnut Shells (boiled)
Black Tea

Golden Brown
Dill Seeds

Orange Brown
Chili Powder

Gold

Turmeric

Green
Spinach Leaves (boiled) Greenish Yellow
Yellow Delicious Apple Peels (boiled)

Grey
Purple or red grape juice or beet juice

Lavender
Small Quantity of Purple Grape Juice
Violet Blossoms plus 2 tsp Lemon Juice
Red Zinger Tea

Orange

Yellow Onion Skins (boiled)
Carrots
Paprika

Pink
Beets
Cranberries or Juice
Raspberries
Red Grape Juice
Juice from Pickled Beets

Red

Lots of Red Onions Skins (boiled)
Pomegranate juiceCanned Cherries (with syrup)
Raspberries

Purple
Violet Blossoms
Hibiscus teaSmall Quantity of Red Onions Skins (boiled)
Red Wine

Yellow

Orange or Lemon Peels (boiled) Add a tablespoon of white vinegar for each cup of water used and one of the items from the chart below. Simmer eggs for 20 minutes.
Carrot Tops (boiled)
Chamomile TeaCelery Seed (boiled)
Ground Cumin (boiled)
Ground Turmeric (boiled) or Saffron
Green Tea

• Eggs colored with natural dyes have a dull finish and are not glossy. After they are dry, you can rub the eggs with cooking oil or mineral oil to give them a soft sheen.

• You need to use your own judgment about exactly how much of each natural to use. Except for spices, place a handful (or two or three handfuls) of each in a saucepan.

• Add tap water to come at least one inch above the natural dye materials.

• Bring the water just to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Let simmer about 15 minutes or up to an hour until you like the color obtained.