Dying eggs is a fun Easter tradition that results in beautiful, colorful eggs. But once your eggs are dyed, there are still some important steps to take to ensure they last as long as possible. Here are some quick answers to common questions about what to do after dying eggs:
Should you refrigerate dyed eggs? Yes, dyed eggs should be refrigerated to preserve them. The cold temperature will help keep them from spoiling.
How long do dyed eggs last? Dyed eggs will usually last about 1 week if refrigerated.
Can you eat dyed eggs? Yes, dyed eggs are still fully edible if they have not spoiled.Hard boiled dyed eggs can be eaten just like regular hard boiled eggs.
Should dyed eggs be washed? No, washing dyed eggs can remove some of the dye color. Gently wiping with a dry cloth is best.
Should you save unused egg dye? No, leftover egg dye should be discarded after dying eggs. Do not save it for later.
Storing Dyed Eggs
After putting in the time and effort to dye eggs in beautiful colors and designs, you will want to make sure your decorative eggs last as long as possible. Follow these storage tips for keeping dyed eggs fresh:
Refrigerate eggs soon after dying. Place your dyed eggs in empty egg cartons and store them in the refrigerator within 2 hours of dyeing. The cool temperature will prevent bacterial growth.
Use the original egg carton. For best results, place the dyed eggs back into their original egg carton to store. These cartons are designed specifically to protect eggs.
Don’t wash eggs before refrigerating. Washing dyed eggs can diminish their dye coloring. Simply dry the eggs with a towel before refrigerating.
Seal egg carton with plastic wrap. Covering the egg carton tightly in plastic wrap will add another protective barrier and help retain moisture.
Store eggs in the main refrigerator compartment. The main compartment is coldest. Avoid storing dyed eggs in the fridge door where the temperature fluctuates the most.
Refrigerator Temperature Guidelines
To extend their shelf life, dyed eggs should be refrigerated at temperatures between 35-40°F. Check to make sure your refrigerator temperature is in this range. If needed, adjust the thermostat to maintain cooler temperatures. The optimal storage temperature for dyed eggs is right around 38°F.
Displaying Dyed Eggs
Beautifully dyed Easter eggs deserve to be put on display. Here are some ideas for creatively displaying your dyed eggs:
Egg wreath. String dyed eggs together into a wreath shape to hang on your front door or wall. Experiment with color patterns.
Egg centerpiece. Place dyed eggs in a glass bowl or vase full of artificial grass, flowers, or moss to create a lovely centerpiece.
Egg garland. Hang dyed eggs from ribbons to create a bright egg garland to string across your mantel or over a doorway.
Wire egg tree. Use a wire tree sculpture and hang dyed eggs from the branches with decorative ribbon for a colorful three-dimensional display.
Picture frame. Place dyed eggs inside an empty picture frame to create unique egg art for your wall. Prop eggs up with putty or pins.
Room Temperature Guidelines for Displays
While refrigeration is required for long term storage, dyed eggs are fine at room temperature for temporary display. Avoid leaving eggs out of the refrigerator for more than 4 hours.
Eating Dyed Eggs
After Easter has passed, you may be wondering if it is safe to eat your decorated dyed eggs. Here are some guidelines for consuming dyed eggs:
Inspect for cracks. Carefully inspect dyed eggs and discard any with cracks in the shell which could allow bacteria to contaminate the interior.
Check for odor. Give dyed eggs a sniff test. If they smell rotten or unusual, they should be discarded. Normal hard boiled eggs have little odor.
Watch expiration date. Dyed eggs should be eaten within 1 week of refrigeration. Mark your calendar and stick to this timeframe.
Cook thoroughly. If planning to use dyed eggs in recipes, make sure to cook them to 160°F. This will destroy any bacteria. Dishes like egg salad should be made immediately.
Avoid eating egg shells. While shells are edible, they are difficult to digest. Peel dyed eggs before eating for easiest consumption.
Serving Ideas for Dyed Eggs
| Recipe Idea | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Egg salad sandwiches | Chop dyed eggs and mix with mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper. Serve on bread, crackers or lettuce. |
| Deviled eggs | Slice dyed eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks and mix with mayonnaise, mustard and spices. Scoop back into whites. |
| Egg drop soup | Whisk together chicken broth with cornstarch and sesame oil. Slowly drizzle in whisked dyed egg. Garnish with green onions. |
Egg Dyeing Tips & Tricks
Looking to achieve vibrant dyed eggs with beautiful, intricate patterns? Here are some helpful egg dyeing tips:
Use white eggs. White eggs will produce the brightest, boldest colored eggs after dyeing. Brown eggs result in more muted tones.
Cool eggs completely after cooking. Let boiled eggs sit in the refrigerator overnight before dyeing for best dye absorption.
Gently tap cracked eggs. Tap cracked eggshells with a spoon to apply dye in the crack patterns for a unique web effect.
Make patterns with wax. Draw on eggs with a white candle before dyeing to resist dye in those areas. The wax will create white designs.
Use rubber bands or tape. Secure rubber bands or masking tape on eggs before dyeing to create negative space patterns when removed.
Try silk ties and leaves. Tie silk ties or press leaves against the eggshell before immersing to create imprints.
Natural Egg Dye Ideas
In addition to commercial egg dye kits, you can dye Easter eggs with all-natural ingredients easily found in your kitchen:
– Red onion skins – Produce reddish-purple eggs
– Blueberries – Turn eggs light blue
– Turmeric – Dyes eggs bright yellow
– Beets – Create pinkish eggs
– Spinach leaves – Result in greenish eggs
– Paprika – Infuses eggs with orange tones
Boil natural dyes in water before simmering your eggs for beautiful plant-based colors.
Egg Decorating Ideas
Don’t stop at simply dyeing your eggs. For even more decorative Easter eggs, try these fun egg decorating techniques:
Glitter eggs. Brush some glue onto dyed eggs and roll them in fine glitter for sparkly, shimmery eggs.
Decoupage eggs. Cut out small paper shapes and adhere them to eggs with decoupage glue for a collage effect.
Sticker eggs. Stick on cute Easter-themed stickers like bunnies, chicks, flowers and more.
Paint eggs. Add further designs and details with acrylic paint pens made for painting on hard surfaces.
Glue on lace or rick rack. Delicately cut lace or rick rack into small pieces and glue onto eggs for frilly adornments.
Attach flowers or leaves. Glue tiny dried flowers, pressed leaves or flower petals onto eggs with hot glue for a natural look.
Egg Decorating Supplies
Gather these handy craft supplies for embellishing your Easter eggs after dyeing:
– Fine glitter and glue
– Assorted colorful stickers
– Acrylic paint pens
– Lace, rick rack or fabric scraps
– Decorative papers for decoupage
– Small dried flowers and leaves
– Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks
Egg Dyeing with Kids
Dyeing Easter eggs is a classic and fun activity to do with kids. Here are some tips to create an enjoyable egg decorating experience:
Cover work surfaces. Protect tables and counters with newspaper or plastic tablecloths to avoid stains.
Have kids wear old clothes. Dye can leave stains, so dress kids in old shirts and pants you don’t mind getting messy.
Blow out eggs before decorating. Have kids blow out the raw eggs first so there are no messy cracks. Provide egg blowers if needed.
Use squeeze bottles for dye. Squirt bottles help minimize spills and give kids more control over dye application.
Include stickers and glitter. Set out fun stickers and glitter so kids can further decorate their dyed eggs.
Display their egg masterpieces. Let kids be proud of their creations by placing their dyed eggs in egg cups or wire baskets.
Egg Dyeing Activities for Kids
In addition to basic dyeing, keep kids engaged and having fun with these added activities:
– Egg painting – Provide acrylic paint pens for detail painting eggs after dyeing
– Egg stamping – Cut sponges into Easter shapes and let kids stamp dye designs
– Egg wrapping – Tear strips of fabric to tightly wrap eggs in patterns before dyeing
– Egg splatter – Add dye to squirt bottles and let kids splatter colors onto cardboard for abstract egg art
– Egg hiding – Hide dyed eggs outdoors for kids to hunt for just like an Easter egg hunt
History of Egg Dyeing
The popular tradition of dyeing eggs dates back hundreds of years and has origins in multiple cultures:
Early Christians. Coloring eggs red to symbolize the blood of Christ has been practiced since the early days of Christianity.
Orthodox Christians. Many Orthodox Christian cultures dye their Easter eggs bright red to represent the blood of Christ.
Ancient Persians. Persians started the tradition of coloring eggs for Nowruz, their New Year celebration, held on the Spring Equinox.
Ancient Egyptians. Egyptians dyed eggs in red and other vibrant colors to offer as gifts and sacrifices to their gods.
European immigrants. In the 1800s, European immigrants brought their egg decorating traditions to America in styles still popular today.
Commercial Egg Dyes
While natural egg dyes were originally used, commercial egg dyeing kits were invented in the late 1800s:
– 1880 – The first commercial egg dyes sold in America as Easter Egg Dyes.
– 1890s – PAAS introduced their Easter egg dyes and have been the top selling brand ever since.
– Late 1900s – Vinegar was added to PAAS dyes to help set the color and create brighter eggs.
– Today – Modern egg dye kits include a wider variety of colors and tools like stickers and glitter.
Conclusion
The full egg dyeing process involves not just dipping eggs, but also properly storing, displaying, and consuming the decorated eggs afterwards. Refrigerate promptly after dyeing and eat within a week for food safety. Show off your dyed eggs in creative displays before enjoying them in appetizing recipes. With some glitter, paint, and fun nature-inspired dyes, you can create stunning egg designs for Easter. Just be sure to blow out the eggs first when decorating with kids to keep things mess-free. However you choose to decorate eggs this year, following sound storage and handling tips will allow you to safely enjoy these works of art.
