How To Make & Use Natural Egg Dyes
March 23, 2026
Skip the artificial dyes! You can make all-natural dyes using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, like onion skins and white vinegar. The recipes are very easy, and they create beautiful Easter eggs.
Ingredients
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Skins from 6 yellow onions
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1medium red cabbage, chopped
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3red beets, grated
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3tablespoons ground turmeric
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4tablespoons distilled white vinegar, divided
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12white hard-boiled eggs, cooled
Directions
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1
To create the yellow dye: In a medium pot, combine the onion skins and 2 ½ cups water. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
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2
To create the purple dye: In a medium pot, combine the chopped cabbage and 2 ½ cups water. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
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3
To create the red dye: In a medium pot, combine the grated beets and 2 ½ cups water. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
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4
To create the orange dye: In a medium pot, combine the turmeric and 2 ½ cups water. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
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5
Remove the dyes from the heat. Allow them to cool to room temperature, then strain them through a fine-mesh sieve into 4 separate 1-quart jars.
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6
Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to each jar.
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7
Carefully add 3 eggs to each jar of dye. Seal the jars, and place them in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight to allow the dyes to set.
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8
Remove eggs from the dye, gently dry them off with paper towels and enjoy! The dye can be stored in the refrigerator and reused for up to 1 week.