DIY: Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs

Dying Easter eggs is a beloved tradition in many families, but it can also be a toxic tradition. Artificial colors have been linked to allergic reactions, tumors, cancer and ADHD among other things. Luckily, nature has given us many beautiful colors that are perfectly safe to smell, touch and eat! And obviously a better choice for our environment. Here is a good method to follow for making colorful, natural eggs, followed by a handy dye chart from about.com.

1.Place the eggs in a single layer in a pan. Add water until the eggs are covered.
2.Add approximately one teaspoon of vinegar.
3.Add the natural dye. Use more dye material for more eggs or for a more intense color.
4.Bring water to a boil.
5.Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
6.If you are pleased with the color, remove the eggs from the liquid.
7.If you want more intensely colored eggs, temporarily remove the eggs from the liquid. Strain the dye through a coffee filter (unless you want speckled eggs). Cover the eggs with the filtered dye and let them remain in the refrigerator overnight.
8.Naturally-colored eggs will not be glossy, but if you want a shiny appearance you can rub a bit of cooking oil onto the eggs once they are dry.

Color	Ingredients
Lavender	Small Quantity of Purple Grape Juice Violet Blossoms plus 2 tsp Lemon Juice Red Zinger Tea
Violet Blue	Violet Blossoms Small Quantity of Red Onions Skins (boiled) Hibiscus Tea Red Wine
Blue	Canned Blueberries Red Cabbage Leaves (boiled) Purple Grape Juice
Green	Spinach Leaves (boiled) Liquid Chlorophyll
Greenish Yellow	Yellow Delicious Apple Peels (boiled)
Yellow	Orange or Lemon Peels (boiled) Carrot Tops (boiled) Celery Seed (boiled) Ground Cumin (boiled) Ground Turmeric (boiled) Chamomile Tea Green Tea
Golden Brown	Dill Seeds
Brown	Strong Coffee Instant Coffee Black Walnut Shells (boiled) Black Tea
Orange	Yellow Onion Skins (boiled) Cooked Carrots Chili Powder Paprika
Pink	Beets Cranberries or Juice Raspberries Red Grape Juice Juice from Pickled Beets
Red	Lots of Red Onions Skins (boiled) Canned Cherries with Juice Pomegranate Juice Raspberries