Easter egg artistry: Mastering natural dyes with beets
I don't buy chemical dyes for eggs. I've followed this rule for years and convinced many friends to use natural methods. It's not difficult, and the results are truly spectacular.
Dyeing eggs is one of the oldest Easter traditions and also one of the most beautiful. The whole family, not just the little ones, can get involved in preparing the Easter eggs. Eggs symbolize new life and rebirth, and according to folk beliefs, coloring them in bright colours was meant to ensure prosperity in the coming year.
The advantages of natural dyes
Instead of using artificial dyes to prepare Easter eggs, it's worth using natural products. Many inexpensive items are available, and we often have them already in the kitchen. These include onions, spinach, turmeric, red cabbage, or beets. I often choose the latter because pink eggs look beautiful in the Easter basket and on the holiday table. Like other natural dyeing products, these vegetables are free of preservatives and harmful chemicals. It's also a nice return to tradition.
How to dye eggs with beets?
Beets have a characteristic, intense colour that easily transfers to the eggshell. They can give it a deep burgundy shade or just a delicate pink. It all depends on the dyeing time and the effect you want to achieve. The process is simple every time and also safe for health.
Eggs can be coloured with beets in two ways. In the first method, I used previously cooked hard-boiled eggs and immersed them in beet brine. The longer they stay in it, the more intense their colour will be. The second method involves cooking the eggs with the beets for about 10 minutes.
A simple brine is enough
To prepare the brine, you will need beets, water, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt. You can also add spices such as bay leaves and allspice. Remember to choose eggs with light shells, which are easier to dye.
Egg Dyeing Brine
- Grate or finely chop 4-5 beets.
- Please place them in a pot and cover with water. Add about 125 millilitres of vinegar.
- Cook raw eggs in the beet mix for about 7-10 minutes.
- Soak cooked eggs in it until the desired shade is achieved.
It's also possible to give a pink colour to already cooked and peeled shelled eggs. Prepare the marinade similarly, but adding spices such as pepper and allspice is worth it. The eggs should be soaked in it for about 40 minutes. They will then have not only a nice colour but also an aroma. Pink eggs are ideal for stuffing.
