Easter egg dying is a tradition in many households. It’s a fun and creative craft that the whole family can enjoy. And depending on how you cook your eggs, they can be enjoyed for days as both a decoration, a side dish or as a snack. Instead of using artificial colors and chemical dyes this year for your Easter eggs, why not dye them naturally? It’s easy. It’s fun. And it’s good for the environment.

Step One: Prepare Your Eggs.

The first step is to prepare your eggs. If you’re a hard boiled egg family traditionally, then by all means hard boil your eggs. If you’re a poke and blow individual then grab your needle and a hearty pair of lungs. (Note: You can save the eggs you blow out of their shells for scrambled eggs, quiche, French toast or other breakfast entrees. No need to throw them away.)

Step Two: Make Your Dye.

This is the fun and slightly experimental step. It’s experimental because there are many materials you can use to make your dye. Here are just a few options to consider:

* Purple – Grape juice, Red Zinger tea, red onion skins boiled, red wine
* Blue – blueberries, red cabbage leaves boiled
* Green – boiled spinach, kale or collard leaves (frozen spinach works very well)
* Yellow – Boiled yellow delicious apple peels or lemon peels, or boiled turmeric
* Orange – boiled orange peels, carrots,
* Brown – brewed coffee
* Pink – beets, cranberries, raspberries, cherries, pomegranate juice

Generally, start with about a cup or two of water and add your dye. For example, if you’re using red grape juice to make purple dye then you’ll add it to a cup of water. If you’re using boiled spinach leaves, you’ll boil the spinach leaves until you have the rich green color you’re looking for. Strain the leaves then add the dye to a cup of water.

Heat your water and dye until they’re boiling. Add a tablespoon of white distilled vinegar. Remove from stove and place in a heat-resistant container. You’ll use this container to dye your eggs so make sure you can easily place an egg in the dye and remove it. Bowls work well, as do coffee cups.

Step Three: Dye Your Eggs.

Once you have several dyes prepared, it’s time to have some fun. Using a slotted spoon, carefully lower your egg into your chosen dye. As you would with the old chemical dyes, you’ll want to check periodically to see if your egg has reached the desired color. Remove the eggs from the dye and let dry. Consider drying them gently with a paper towel and then place them in an egg carton. If you are using hard boiled eggs, place them in the refrigerator to keep until you’re ready to eat them, hunt for them or decorate with them.