With Easter around the corner, you may be looking for natural ways to dye Easter eggs. This technique uses turmeric to make a natural yellow egg dye and turn white eggs into a gorgeous vibrant yellow color.
If you’re looking for other ways to dye Easter eggs, check out my tutorial on How to Dye Eggs with Food Coloring.
Dyeing eggs is one of the biggest Easter traditions.
While most people opt for store bought egg dye kits, there are also natural egg dye kits you can get your hands on that use natural dyes made with fruits, herbs and vegetables.
However, I’ve found that often times, you can make homemade dye with ingredients you already have on hand in your refrigerator, pantry or cupboard.
That is exactly how we are going to make this natural yellow dye using turmeric.
Ingredients
- Boiling Water – I like to use filtered water but you can use tap water too
- Turmeric Powder – I like to use the organic turmeric powder because I believe it gives a better color but any you have in your cupboard will do just fine
- Vinegar –
- Hard Boiled Eggs – I have perfected making hard boiled eggs in my Instant Pot in 10 minutes or less. Check out my Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs Recipe.
Instructions
Step 1: Make your hard boiled eggs and allow them to cool.
Step 2: Add the turmeric and water to a large pot. Stir and bring to a boil.
Step 3: Once the water is boiling (above 10 minutes) and the turmeric has dissolved, remove the pot from heat.
Step 4: Add in the vinegar and stir well.
Step 5: Carefully place your hard boiled eggs inside the pot ensuring they are completely covered by the turmeric mixture (we were able to fit about 12 eggs inside the pot at once).
Step 6: Allow the eggs to soak in the dye until your desired color of yellow is reached. We left our eggs in the yellow dye for 8 hours (you can leave these overnight in the fridge).
Step 7: When you want to remove the eggs, lightly swish the eggs in the liquid as you bring them out of the dye to ensure no foam or bubbles stick to it.
Step 8: Place the dyed eggs on paper towels to dry. When ready, decorate the eggs or crack open and eat!
Pro Tips
- These eggs will dye fairly even, but you may notice some speckles from the turmeric. It is totally normal and I actually find it very pretty.
- It’s important you use the right amount of vinegar. Too little vinegar will result in a dull yellow color and the eggs won’t hold the dye well. Too much vinegar will cause the shell of the egg to dissolve.
- You can dye your eggs for varying times, you don’t have to leave them in as long as we did. You’ll end up with varying shades of yellow which is actually fun to play with!
- Don’t be afraid to apply some wax in designs on your eggs before dying them in order to make shapes!
- Allow your yellow eggs to dry completely before applying stickers or other Easter egg decorations.
- The turmeric dye can be stored in the fridge for several days. This works great if you end up wanting to prepare the egg dye prior to dyeing Easter eggs.
FAQ’S
What is turmeric?
Turmeric is a common household spice that comes from the root of Curcuma longa and is in the ginger family. It is a main ingredient in curry powder due to its bitter, citrus taste and bright orange color.
How do you make yellow egg dye?
One of the best known ways to make yellow egg dye is by using a combination of turmeric, water and vinegar.
How do you dye brown eggs yellow?
You can dye brown eggs yellow using this natural yellow dye recipe. However, because the base of the egg is brown, your final color will be more of an earthy yellow tone instead of a vibrant yellow color like one you’d achieve with white eggs.
What can I use to dye eggs naturally?
Many common household ingredients can dye eggs naturally. These include everything from spices, to fresh vegetables and fruits to organic juices. It just takes the right mixture and combination to create a natural egg dye.
Natural Yellow Egg Dye
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Water 1 Quart
- 5 Tablespoons Turmeric
- 1 Tablespoon Vinegar
- 12 Hard Boiled Eggs
Instructions
- Make your hard boiled eggs and allow them to cool.
- Add the turmeric and water to a large pot. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling (above 10 minutes) and the turmeric has dissolved, remove the pot from heat.
- Add in the vinegar and stir well.
- Carefully place your hard boiled eggs inside the pot ensuring they are completely covered by the turmeric mixture (we were able to fit about 12 eggs inside the pot at once).
- Allow the eggs to soak in the dye until your desired color of yellow is reached. We left our eggs in the yellow dye for 8 hours (you can leave these overnight in the fridge).
- When you want to remove the eggs, lightly swish the eggs in the liquid as you bring them out of the dye to ensure no foam or bubbles stick to it.
- Place the dyed eggs on paper towels to dry. When ready, decorate the eggs or crack open and eat!
Nutrition information is a rough estimate only; actual values will vary based on the exact ingredients used and amount of recipe prepared.