The egg is the most iconic symbol of Easter and its original celebration, Ostara. But how do you dye eggs naturally? And what if you want to use only natural ingredients? Here’s a simple method anyone can follow.
No matter which ingredients you choose, the process is very easy, place your coloring material (see the color guide below for what and how much to use) in a small pot and add water. About 2 cups of water are enough for one batch. Add one tablespoon of vinegar for each cup of water.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes. After simmering, remove from heat and let it cool slightly, then strain so that only the liquid remains this is what you’ll use to dye the eggs.
Return the dye to a pot and place the eggs in it to cook again. About 10 minutes is enough for one egg to absorb the color and cook fully.
If the color is not strong enough, you can pour the liquid into a jar and soak the eggs in the fridge for several hours. Another method is to cook the eggs together with the dye from the beginning. This will produce speckled eggs, but it’s worth trying. For blown out eggs, color them in a jar using the cold method.
Purple onion skins (3-5 heads for 2 cups water)
Chili powder or paprika
Grated beetroot (1 medium beet)
Cherry or sour cherry juice (a handful)
Pomegranate juice (1-2 cups)
Raspberries (a handful)
Dill seeds (2-3 tbsp)
Strong black coffee (1 cup recommended)
Black walnut husks (2-3 tbsp)
Black tea (3-4 bags, optional)
Red onion skins (3-4 heads produces orange, despite the name)
Curry powder (2-3 tbsp)
Grated or chopped carrot (2-3 pieces)
Turmeric powder (2-3 tbsp)
Orange or lemon peel (3-4 tbsp)
Ground cumin (2-3 tbsp)
Yarrow flowers (3-4 tbsp)
Spinach (3-4 tbsp or a small handful)
Fresh basil (small handful)
Blueberries + turmeric together
Purple cabbage (3-4 leaves, sliced)
Blueberries (1 handful)
Blue grape juice (1-2 cups)
Red wine (1-2 cups)
Hibiscus tea (3-4 bags)
Blackberries (small handful)
Purple cabbage + beetroot together (recommended)
Currants or currant juice (small handful or 1-2 cups)
Raspberries (small portion)
Beet juice (1 cup)
You’ll need a stocking or similar material (or mesh used for vegetables/fruit) and a small leaf.
Place the leaf on the egg, wrap it tightly with the stocking and submerge it in cold dye for several hours. Make sure it’s tight so dye doesn’t seep underneath. You can also experiment with other shapes.
Use a fine brush, toothpick or stylus to draw patterns on the egg.
Dip the egg in melted wax, then submerge it in the cold dye for several hours.
Once your egg is dyed, carefully scratch patterns with a needle or carving tool.
Advanced users can even pierce blown out eggshells to create intricate designs.
Would you like to serve traditional Ostara delicacies? Don’t miss out on these heavenly and easy to make Ostara recipes.
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