Yellow Colored Easter Eggs Dyed with Turmeric
Eggs Colored Using Natural Orange Annatto and Yellow Turmeric Spice
Feb 24, 2009
Instead of using harsh food colorings or commercial egg dyes that can stain fingers, clothing and counter-tops, savvy parents will be turning to the spice cupboard this spring to make use of natural ingredients already found within the kitchen. Eggs colored yellow with turmeric spice are just as bright those dyed with artificial food coloring while annatto powder creates pastel, earth toned eggs.
How to Color Eggs Yellow Using Turmeric
Turmeric powder, a bright yellow Indian spice commonly used in curries, can be used to color Easter eggs a bright, golden yellow in minutes. The main coloring pigment of turmeric will fade quickly in sunlight, however, so turmeric dyed Easter eggs should be stored in the refrigerator even if they aren't intended for consumption.
Necessary equipment:
- deep pot
- 5-8 cups water
- 1 Tbsp turmeric
- white eggs
- ice bath
- rubber bands (optional)
Directions:
- Fill a deep pot with enough water to completely submerge Easter eggs. Stir in turmeric and bring water to a boil.
- Wrap eggs with rubber bands to create decorative patterns (optional). Add eggs and vinegar to the colored water. Bring heat up to gentle boil for 10-12 minutes.
- Immediately remove eggs and dip briefly into ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Dyeing Easter Eggs Orange and Peach Using Annatto Seed
Annatto, also known as achiote, can be found at certain Latin groceries or specialty food stores and is often used to color rice dishes and adobo. Because annatto does not completely dissolve in boiling water, eggs colored with achiote appear naturally speckled.
Necessary equipment:
- deep pot
- 5-8 cups water
- 2 Tbsp ground annatto or achiote seeds
- white eggs
- ice bath
Directions:
- Fill a deep pot with enough water to completely submerge Easter eggs. Stir in annatto powder or achiote seeds and bring water to a boil.
- Add eggs and vinegar to the colored water. Bring heat up to gentle boil for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to distribute annatto and create a speckled appearance on the Easter eggs.
- Immediately remove eggs and dip briefly into ice bath to stop the cooking process. If deeper color is desired, remove dye liquid from heat and let cool to room temperature. Soak eggs in the refrigerator until darker color is achieved.
What Other Natural Ingredients Can be Used to Dye Easter Eggs?
In addition to dying Easter eggs yellow with turmeric and annatto, celery seed, cumin and paprika can also be used to create surprising shades of yellow, orange and brown. Vegetable dyed red eggs can also be achieved with beets and onion. Because coloring eggs with spices uses natural ingredients without food coloring, experimentation is inexpensive and clean up is simple and easy.
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