Tea Dyed Easter Eggs

Using tea to dye your eggs is not only natural, it is also inexpensive. I bet you probably have tea in your pantry that you haven't drank in years...Just use that and then it will be FREE!!! To get a light green color use green tea, for a natural brown color use black tea. Use hibiscus to get a pinkish hue, rooibos for a reddish tint or chamomile for a subtle yellowish tone. Be creative and use what you have in your pantry...

Ingredients:

• 6 eggs
• 3 tea bags (1 tea bag/2 eggs) or 1 gram loose tea per 2 eggs
• 1.5 tsp distilled white vinegar
• Optional, for more color add 1/4 - 1/2 tsp Powdered Alum, an aluminum sulphate product used for pickling or baking powder
• Optional, for shine: Vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Place unshelled eggs in saucepan of cold water – water level should be at least 4 cm (1-1/2") higher than eggs, add vinegar and cover with lid. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, add tea (see different tea options from above), then simmer for 5-6 minutes with lid on. Reserve the tea water to use for step #3.
2. Remove eggs and blanch (place in ice bath) to cool.
3. Add Alum and ice ice to tea water and cool for 10-15 minutes. Place eggs back into tea water, put in refrigerator over night.
4. Remove eggs and dry with paper towel.
5. Option: Rub with vegetable oil to make them shiny.

These eggs are not only pretty, they are safe to eat, and are naturally healthy filled with protein.

Can you think of any other natural ingredients you can use to dye Easter Eggs, (i.e coffee, turmeric, beets, paprika, cranberries, blueberries, Liquid Chlorophyll)...check out this website for more ideas...

Marbled Tea Eggs, A Chinese Tradition & Symbol of Prosperity

Easter is right around the corner which means it is time to start thinking about dying eggs for the Easter egg hunt. Have you ever thought about using tea to dye your eggs? The Chinese have been using tea to dye eggs for years. They are called Marbled Eggs and are a symbol of prosperity. Below is a recipe for Marbled Eggs. They are a delicious addition to any brunch, especially your Easter Egg Brunch. Ingredients : Serves 6

• 6 eggs


• 3 tablespoons soy sauce


• 1 teaspoon salt


• 1 tablespoon black tea leaves or 1 tea bag (Use green tea for a lighter color dye)


• 4 pieces star anise


• 1 small stick cinnamon or cassia bark


• 1 teaspoon cracked peppercorns


• (optional) 2 strips dried mandarin peel (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place unshelled eggs in saucepan of cold water – water level should be at least 4 cm (1-1/2") higher than eggs. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2-3 minutes. Reserve the water to use for step #3.


2. Remove the eggs. Place in a bowl with ice and cover with cold water to cool the eggs down. With a knife or the back of a spoon, tap each egg to slightly crack the shells in two or three places. Return to saucepan.


3. Add other ingredients and stir. Cover and simmer for 2 hours, adding water as necessary. Drain, serve hot or cold. Notes Cook longer for a stronger flavour and a deeper colour. Tea eggs are also known as Chinese marbled eggs for the unique marbling effect on the surface of the egg.

Using tea to dye your eggs is not only natural, it is also inexpensive. I bet you probably have tea in your pantry that you haven't drank in years...Just use that and then it will be FREE!!!Stay tuned to see how to Dye Easter Eggs naturally and cost effectively...