19 Natural, Homemade Egg Dyes You Need to Try This Easter
Updated: Mar. 23, 2018Skip the kit and try coloring Easter eggs naturally with homemade dyes that use coffee, onions, blueberries, and other common kitchen finds.
How to use a homemade egg dye
- Gently wash eggs with soapy water and dry.
- Place a single layer of eggs in a non-metal pot with the dye (see next slides for colors and sources).
- Add 2 tablespoons vinegar to 1 quart water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes, and remove pot from burner. If you like the color as it is, dab off excess dye with a paper towel and set the eggs on a rack to dry. To deepen the color, leave eggs in the pot until cool. To get even richer shades, put cool eggs in a bowl, strain the dye water, and pour it over the eggs. Store the submerged eggs in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
Note: Quantities are based on 1 quart of liquid. Amounts of homemade egg dye ingredients are approximate; more dyestuff and longer dye baths produce the deepest colors. All boiled eggs should be stored in the refrigerator, and any that have soaked in hot or warm water for several hours should not be eaten.
Brewed coffee
Quantity: 1 quart strong coffee plus water to cover the eggs
Color: Brown
Blueberries
Quantity: Up to 4 cups
Color: Lavender
Pair your homemade egg dye with these 15 creative Easter basket ideas.
Yellow onion skins
Quantity: Up to 4 packed cups
Color: Sienna
Beet juice
Quantity: Half strength or more of the vinegar water
Color: Deep pink
Cranberry juice
Quantity: Full-strength
Color: Light pink
Paprika
Quantity: 3 tablespoons or more
Color: Brick red
Turmeric
Quantity: 3 or more tablespoons
Color: Yellow-green
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Purple grape juice
Quantity: Half or more of the liquid
Color: Blue-gray
Red cabbage
Quantity: 4 or more cups, chopped (boil and then soak overnight)
Color: Robin’s egg blue
Spinach or grass
Quantity: Up to 4 cups
Color: Green
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Red wine
Quantity: Full strength or diluted with water only
Color: Deep purple
Orange peels
Quantity: 6 oranges
Color: Light yellow
After finishing with your homemade egg dye, play these 18 fun Easter games with your kids.
Green tea
Quantity: 3 bags + 1 tablespoon matcha
Color: Jade green
Avocado skins
Quantity: 6 avocados
Color: Light pink
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Chopped carrot tops
Quantity: 4 ounces
Color: Rich yellow
Red Zinger tea
Quantity: 1 bag
Color: Lavender
Dill seed
Quantity: 2 Tablespoons
Color: Brown/Gold
Raspberries or blackberries
Quantity: 4 cups of mashed berries
Color: Pink to purple
Amaranth flowers
Quantity: 4 ounces
Color: Light pink
Try out these other 19 easy Easter crafts for kids.