Posted by Les Mauvaises Herbes
A great Easter classic in my family: decorated eggs. When I was little, at my grandparents' house, we would empty a dozen eggs (by making a small hole with a needle at each end and blowing into them), then we would paint the shells with watercolors. Obviously, the eggs were later turned into a beautiful, big omelet!
I wanted to revisit this childhood classic, which I haven't done in years (due to a lack of painting supplies, haha), using dye plants! Why not combine my passion for plants with my deep nostalgia?
Dye plants
The idea is to color the eggshell naturally with plants. Unlike the eggs of my childhood, here, the activity is done on a hard-boiled egg and not on an empty shell. It makes for a beautiful, colorful Easter snack and a fun activity to do with the family.
Among the plants you can use to dye your Easter eggs are:
- beetroot powder (fuchsia)
- hibiscus powder (blue)
- turmeric powder (yellow)
- paprika (orange)
- coffee (brown)
- elderberries (black)
You could probably test the method with nettle powder, henna, and blue pea (be careful, blue pea will turn purple in contact with vinegar!). You can also use foods like onion skins, beet, spinach, blueberries, and red cabbage.
You can have fun making prints on the eggs using flowers, leaves, conifer branches, etc. Unfortunately, in our northern regions, there is little vegetation outside at this time of year, but I still managed to find some clover and cedar branches. The sage and yarrow in my garden still had a few green branches from last year, very soft, which I was also able to use for this!
Naturally colored Easter eggs
You will need:
- organic free-range eggs
- natural dye of your choice (see our suggestions above)
- plant decorations of your choice (optional)
- white vinegar
- old nylon stockings
- string
- glass containers (jars, bowls)
- water
- a little patience!
Cooking the eggs
- The first step is to cook the number of eggs you wish to decorate, then let them cool on the counter. If you have never made hard-boiled eggs, you can ask our friend Ricardo to help you!
- Next, let the eggs cool on the counter while you prepare the dye(s).
You can also, of course, opt to empty them by making a small hole at each end using a needle and blowing into them! Not only will you have a nice omelet to cook, but you will also be able to keep your magnificent creations for a few weeks.
Preparing the dyes
- In a pot, bring to a boil enough water to cover the eggs to be colored. Add the chosen natural dye and let simmer for a few minutes before turning off the heat.
- Let sit for a few minutes, then add 1 tbsp of white vinegar per cup of water to set the color.
- Pour the dye into a heat-resistant bowl or jar.
- Let the colored mixture cool on the counter, then strain if desired*.
Note: If you wish to dye your eggs different colors, you will need to repeat steps 1 to 4 for each dye plant.
*Except for large pieces, I tend not to strain the berries and powders to let them macerate and infuse their color into the liquid for longer. But that's up to you!
Decorating the eggs
If you don't wish to add decorations to your eggs, you can move on to the coloring step once your dye has cooled.
- Cut a section of nylon stocking and tie a string at the end.
- Place the egg in the nylon stocking and add the decoration. Ensure it is flat against the egg.
- Wrap the egg in the nylon stocking, making sure it is tight. We don't want the decoration to move, otherwise the "stamped" effect will be compromised.
- Tie the other end. Yes, it will look like a big candy, haha.
Coloring the eggs
- In one or more glass containers, distribute the cooked eggs. For best results, it is important that the eggs are not too crowded in their container and that you don't put more than one layer.
If you chose to pierce and empty your eggs: since the empty egg will float (unlike a hard-boiled egg), simply fill a small jar to full capacity with the colored water, place the egg or eggs inside, and close the lid – the eggs will be completely submerged in water. - Pour the colored liquid over the eggs to cover them completely.
- Place the glass containers with the eggs in the fridge and leave them overnight (or about 8 hours*).
- Take the eggs out of their dye, pat them dry lightly with a cloth, and place them on a plate.
- Let dry completely, then unwrap!
- If desired, apply a little vegetable oil to the shell to give a little more "oomph" to the color!
- Put the eggs back in the fridge until you are ready to enjoy them. If you emptied your eggs, place them prominently in your decor for the pleasure of your eyes and the curiosity of your guests!
*If you want a paler color, you can take them out of the dye after about 4 hours.
