A few weeks ago I read a short little blurb in Bon Appetit Magazine about how to dye eggs using natural ingredients. I was fascinated. I guess it never crossed my mind since those fizzy colored tablets they sell in grocery stores this time of year are so inexpensive. Who knew you could use vegetables and spices to dye eggs?
As I sat there I wondered, does it really work? Did the pilgrims know about this? Holy canolies, what have I been missing all these years. My friend Jane is even doing it. Where have I been? Under a rock?
Since my chickens lay brown & green eggs I decided to splurge last week and buy 2 dozen white eggs at the store. I was worried if I used the brown eggs the dye would not be as vibrant, and in the end, I’m glad I went the white eggs {even if they were not as fresh as homegrown laid eggs}.
The process is surprisingly easy. Here are the simple directions:
Blue Eggs: Combine 2-3 cups chopped red cabbage, 3 tablespoons of vinegar and 4 cups of water and simmer for 3o minutes. Drain colored water in a large bowl and steep the desired number of hard-boiled eggs in the colored water for 3 hours {less time if you don’t want dark blue eggs}.
Yellow Eggs: Combine 2 teaspoons turmeric, 3 tablespoons of vinegar and 4 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and steep the desired number of hard-boiled eggs in the colored water for 2 hours {less time if you don’t want dark yellow eggs}.
Red Eggs: Combine 1 cup shredded beets {2-3 beets} , 3 tablespoons of vinegar and 4 cups of water and simmer for 3o minutes. Drain colored water in a large bowl and steep the desired number of hard-boiled eggs in the colored water for 3 hours {less time if you don’t want dark pink eggs}.
*Keep in mind that the longer you keep your eggs in the colored water, the deeper your eggs shells will turn out.
Dry your eggs on a cooling rack. Once the eggs have completely dried, use a paint brush to brush away any extra bits. See, I told you it was easy.
Have you done this before? What did you think? Pretty easy huh?
Looking for the ceramic egg rack featured in this photo? Amazon has it HERE.
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