Using natural dyes to color your Easter eggs is fun, better for you and the environment – and turns your kitchen into a complete mess! But is it so worth it – you and your family won’t be handling dyes or eating eggs colored with coal tar or petroleum by-products.

There are a number of ways you can color eggs naturally. You can use fresh vegetables and fruits as dyes.
Start by hard-boiling the eggs until they are cooked. While your eggs are boiling, prepare your natural dye by simmering water (about 2 quarts) and your natural coloring agent in a pan for about 20 minutes. Use 6 tablespoons of turmeric for orange eggs, 6 tablespoons of cumin for yellow eggs, a head of cabbage for blue eggs, and red beets for pinkish eggs. After simmering the coloring agent and the water, strain the colored water into a bowl, add 3 tablespoons of white vinegar and add the hard-boiled eggs. Check on the eggs every minute until they reach the desired color. If you are looking to make green eggs, dip the eggs in the yellow water for a few minutes and then dip them in the blue water for a few more minutes (or boil some spinach or swiss chard to get a pot of green water). If you prefer shiny eggs, rub a bit of olive oil on each egg once the color is dry. And yes, this method is very messy!
If you do not feel like playing around with produce, you can use food coloring instead and paint the eggs with a brush or dip them into the food coloring. Last but not least, you can use non-toxic markers or crayons to decorate your eggs. Whichever way you choose, you will have at least as much fun as your kids!