Eggs to Dye For

You can dye an egg with natural dyes in two ways – either use the boil method or cold dip method. If you want rich, vibrant colors, but don't intend to eat the egg, use the boil method. For an egg that is more kid friendly and edible, use the cold dip method.

To use the boil method, place half a dozen eggs in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the eggs by one inch of liquid. Add about two tablespoons of white vinegar and a natural food dye, like a quart of coffee. Let the pot warm on low heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes. The final result will be a richly colored egg, ready to decorate for Easter!

For the cold dip method, have your food dye ready. Next, place half a dozen eggs in a large pot and add two tablespoons of vinegar. As with the boil method, make sure the eggs are covered with an inch of water. Heat on low and let the pot simmer for 20-30 minutes. Immediately remove the eggs and let cool. Now you're ready to dip the hard-boiled eggs in the natural food dye and place them in the refrigerator. You can soak the eggs anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the richness of the hue you want to achieve. Remember to turn the eggs every so often to achieve an even color.


Hint: For more ideas of natural food dyes, check out our tip, the "Natural Way to Dye Easter Eggs".