Insider’s Viewpoint: How To Use Fruits & Veggies To Dye Your Easter Eggs … Naturally

Spring has finally arrived, and with it comes the celebration of Easter. There are countless traditions and ways to celebrate, but one of the most popular is through participation in Easter egg hunts. I’ll admit this was a childhood favorite, along with dying the eggs that would later be hidden from us. Did you know there are some great ways to naturally dye your Easter eggs using things like frozen blueberries, canned beets, and even turmeric? It’s true! The recipe below calls for frozen blueberries, plump pearls packed with nutrition and bright colors, perfect for dying eggs.

A Little About Blueberry Nutrition…
Researchers have identified the nutrients in blueberries to have countless health benefits, including the ability to help slow or even reverse age-related decline in mental cognition [Read Study]. Another fun fact: You might be surprised to know that thawing blueberries in the microwave retains twice as many of their antioxidants than being thawed at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Keeping frozen blueberries on hand is a great way to enjoy all the benefits year round.

This Easter, try naturally dying your eggs with frozen blueberries, and enjoy them on top of your favorite yogurt or pancake recipe.

How To Dye Your Easter Eggs

Materials
White eggs and carton
1 ½ cups frozen blueberries
Coffee filter
Wide-mouth mason jar
White vinegar
Slotted spoon
Coconut or olive oil (optional)

Directions

1. Start with boiled eggs. Set eggs aside and let cool while you make the dyes.
   BONUS TIP: Try hard boiling eggs in the oven. Place one egg in each of 12 muffin cups. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Submerge the baked eggs in ice water for 10 minutes. They peel easily and taste like butter.
2. To make blueberry dye, pour the blueberries into a medium sauce pot and add 1 1/2 cups of water or enough to cover the berries by about an inch.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover and then let simmer on low for 30 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture through the coffee filter into the mason jar. Fill the jar only up to an inch below the brim.
5. Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the mixture, stir and let cool.
6. Once the dye reaches room temperature, lower up to two eggs into the mixture, making sure that they are fully submerged. Add more dye if needed.
7. Refrigerate eggs in the covered mason jar until the desired color is reached. Plan for at least two hours, although overnight is recommended.
8. Carefully remove the eggs with the slotted spoon and let dry, preferably in an egg carton.
9. Optional: to give the dried eggs a nice sheen, use a paper towel to gently polish them with a small amount of vegetable oil.
10. Refrigerate dyed eggs until ready to use.