Who’s looking forward to a basket full of colorful eggs this year? I know we are! And instead of going with artificial, old-fashioned, store bought dye, we’re going DIY-style. Take a peek at all of the amazing natural fruits and veggies that you can use to get things going. Chances are, new traditions are in the making.
Red & Pink: Beets are a clear winner here. Try Beet Powder or Beet Juice Concentrate for the clearest reds. You can also use Pomegranate Juice Concentrate, Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate, or Puree of Raspberries or Strawberries.
Orange & Yellow: Carrot Juice Concentrate is your best bet for real orange color, that’s what big food companies use as a natural food dye. You can also add Tumeric or Pureed Mango to dishes, or mix Turmeric or Saffron in a bit of hot water.
Green: Try Pureed Spinach, Pureed Basil or Spinach Juice Concentrate for real green. Many health food stores carry Liquid Chlorophyll, which also works well. Green Tea Powder (matcha) offers a lighter green tone.
Blue: Pureed Blueberries will give you a blueish-purple tint, as will Blueberry Juice Concentrate. For real-deal blue, wash, de-stem & chop a head of red cabbage. Place the cabbage in a pot with just enough water to cover it all, and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Drain & reserve the liquid. Add baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon at a time to the purple liquid, stirring to fully incorporate before adding more. The baking soda will cause the liquid to turn blue. Only use this process for items that are fully cooled, like icing, cream cheese, ice cream, etc. as heat will alter the blue color.
Purple: Pureed Blackberries will work, but I really like Grape Juice Concentrate for purple (check the freezer section of your grocery store). Or, make Cabbage Juice Concentrate: wash, de-stem & chop a head of Red Cabbage. Place the cabbage in a pot with just enough water to cover it all, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is darkly colored. Drain & reserve the liquid, use as desired.
Brown: Cocoa Powder or Espresso Powder are your best bets here.
Powders and juice concentrates are sold online & in natural grocery stores.
Or, make your own juice concentrates on the stove by reducing 1 cup of juice down to 1/3 cup.
-reprinted with permission from G-Free Foodie
