Description
Learn how to naturally dye Easter eggs using onion peels to create beautiful, rustic brown tones with unique patterns from fresh herbs. This traditional method is easy, eco-friendly, and yields vibrant, lovely eggs perfect for festive celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Materials
- 1 pair nylon stockings or aluminum foil
- A few sprigs of fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill, or similar)
Eggs and Dye
- 12 white eggs, at room temperature
- About 1/2 of a plastic grocery bag filled with yellow onion peels
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the eggs and onion peels. Place the yellow onion peels and salt into a large pot and add enough water to cover them. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for around 15 minutes to extract the rich brown dye.
- Strain the dye liquid. Remove the pot from heat and strain out the onion peels, leaving the brown onion dye in the pot. Add enough water if needed so the eggs will be fully submerged.
- Arrange herbs on the eggs. Place a sprig or two of fresh herbs flat against each egg. These will create natural patterns on the eggshells.
- Wrap the eggs securely. Wrap each egg together with its herb sprig tightly in a piece of nylon stocking or aluminum foil, tying it securely so the herbs stay pressed against the egg.
- Dye the wrapped eggs. Gently lower the wrapped eggs into the warm onion dye. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, making sure the eggs stay submerged. The longer the eggs soak, the deeper the brown color will be.
- Cool and unwrap. Using tongs, carefully remove the eggs from the dye and let them cool completely. Once cool, unwrap the eggs and gently pat dry to reveal the beautiful herb imprint and natural brown hue.
Notes
- Use white eggs for best color results as brown eggs will not show the dye’s effect as vividly.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature before dyeing to reduce cracking.
- Wear gloves to avoid staining your hands with onion dye.
- The nylon stocking method helps hold the herbs tightly against the egg for clear patterns.
- Save leftover onion dye for additional eggs or other craft projects; it can be refrigerated for a week.
- Be mindful of delicate herbs that may stain—parsley and cilantro work well for crisp designs.
