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Natural Easter Eggs 3 Ways!

Naturally dyed Easter eggs laying on top of burlap

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Last week I made a gigantic run in my pantyhose. I’ve never been happier to destroy a pair of good tights (I knew the Easter eggs were coming up!). Pantyhose work best. You can buy a cheap pair for a couple bucks, but foil is a good alternative. I tested both.

The dye is au naturale; the woodsy tones are extracted from onion peels! Some people prefer red onion, but the color gets pretty dark; I like the yellow onion mo’ betta. This whole process of dyeing Easter eggs took me 30-40 minutes and that’s with cooking them in 2 batches. Not bad. It’s easier than it looks.

What You’ll Need:

1 pair of nylon stockings OR foil
A few sprigs of fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, etc.)
12 white eggs
About 1/2 of a plastic grocery bag of yellow onion peels
1/2 Tbsp salt

Natural Ester Eggs

How To Natural Easter Eggs:

Fill a medium pot with 2/3 of the onion peels and add water until it’s about one third full. Boil for 10 minutes to allow the onion to release it’s color then add 1/2 Tbsp salt. While this is cooking, start on your eggs.

Natural Ester Eggs-4

Method #1: Herb Prints

Note: foil does not hold herbs well enough; if you want the herb prints, you really NEED nylons.
1. Wrap cilantro, parsley or whatever herbs you wish to use around the egg.

2. Pull the stocking over one hand and place the egg over it, grab a hold of the egg with your stocking hand and wrap your fingers around it being careful to keep the herbs from folding or wrinkling. Invert the stocking over the egg then tighten and twist at the base. The stocking should wrap snuggly around the egg to keep the herbs in place.

3. Tie a string around the base to secure the stocking.

4. Boil for 10 minutes making sure the eggs are fully submerged then remove from water, let cool until they are a safe temperature to handle, then use scissors to cut away the stocking. Wipe away herb remains with a paper towel.

Natural Ester Eggs-5

Method #2: Marbelized hues

Note: the inspiration for these marbelized hues is from: Pille’s Estonian eggs

1. Wrap each egg with enough onion peels to cover the surface; there should be no white showing.

2. Pull the stocking over your hand and place the egg over it, grab a hold of the egg with your stocking hand and wrap your fingers around it. Invert the stocking over the egg then tighten and twist at the base.

3. Tie a string around the base to secure the stocking.

4. Boil for 10 minutes making sure the eggs are fully submerged then remove from water, let cool until they are a safe temperature to handle, then use scissors to cut away the stocking.

Natural Ester Eggs-6Natural Ester Eggs-3

Method #3: Solid Wood Hues

This is the easiest way to get that beautiful solid woodsy color is to simply put the eggs into the pot directly with the onion peel; no pantyhose required! Cook 10 minutes (longer if you want a darker tone. I posted this easy peasy method a couple years ago

Easter Eggs

Making the Eggs Shiny:

I like shiny things. You can make these shiny by putting oil on a paper towel and rubbing the eggs with it. Now take a picture and impress all of your friends on Instagram (I’d love to see your creation too: @natashaskitchen).

Natural Ester Eggs-7

Oh and one more thing, these make for egg-cellent egg wars (you know, knocking the eggs against each other) I think the trick is to wrap your fingers close to the end you are going to knock. I know it’s early, but Happy Easter Everyone!

Natural Ester Eggs-8

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Natural Easter Eggs 3 Ways!

5 from 18 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 12 eggs
  • 1 pair of nylon stockings OR foil
  • A few sprigs of fresh herbs, parsley, cilantro, etc.
  • 12 white eggs
  • About 1/2 of a plastic grocery bag of yellow onion peels
  • 1/2 Tbsp salt

Instructions

How To:

  • Fill a medium pot with 2/3 of the onion peels and add water until it's about 1/3 full. Boil for 10 minutes to allow the onion to release it's color then add 1/2 Tbsp salt. While this is cooking, start on your eggs.

Method #1: Herb Patterns

  • Note: foil does not hold herbs well enough; if you want the herb prints, you really NEED nylons.
  • Wrap cilantro, parsley or whatever herbs you wish to use around the egg.
  • Pull the stocking over one hand and place the egg over it, grab a hold of the egg with your stocking hand and wrap your fingers around it being careful to keep the herbs from folding or wrinkling. Invert the stocking over the egg then tighten and twist at the base. The stocking should wrap snuggly around the egg to keep the herbs in place.
  • Tie a string around the base to secure the stocking.
  • Boil for 10 minutes making sure the eggs are fully submerged then remove from water, let cool until they are a safe temperature to handle, then use scissors to cut away the stocking. Wipe away herb remains with a paper towel.

Method #2: Marbelized Eggs

  • Wrap each egg with enough onion peels to cover the surface; there should be no white showing.
  • Pull the stocking over your hand and place the egg over it, grab a hold of the egg with your stocking hand and wrap your fingers around it. Invert the stocking over the egg then tighten and twist at the base.
  • Tie a string around the base to secure the stocking.
  • Boil for 10 minutes making sure the eggs are fully submerged then remove from water, let cool until they are a safe temperature to handle, then use scissors to cut away the stocking.

Method #3: Solid Woodsy Colors

  • Cut the eggs into the pot directly with the onion peel; no pantyhose required!
  • Cook 10 minutes (longer if you want a darker tone.

Making the Eggs Shiny:

  • Pour some oil on a paper towel and rub the eggs with it.
Course: Breakfast, Side Dish
Cuisine: Russian, Ukrainian
Keyword: Natural Easter Eggs
Skill Level: Easy/Medium
Cost to Make: $3-$5

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Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

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Read comments/reviewsAdd comment/review

  • Nancy
    March 23, 2023

    Are the eggs uncooked before you start or does the cooking/dyeing process cook them?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 23, 2023

      Hi Nancy. The eggs will be boiled in step 5. This is when they cook. 🙂

      Reply

  • Gayle George
    March 23, 2023

    These look so beautiful. I wish you would do a video because I am having a hard time following the instructions. Thanks for all the recipes that you share!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 23, 2023

      Hi Gayle. You’re very welcome. Thank you for the feedback and suggestion. 🙂

      Reply

  • Lorrie
    April 1, 2022

    Natasha, I surely appreciate your recipes, your sense of fun, your sweet attitude, and your helpful Husband–keep up the great work!!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 1, 2022

      Aww, You’re so nice! Thank you, Lorrie!

      Reply

  • Tam
    March 27, 2021

    Hi Natasha, I have been dying eggs in onion skins for years. So
    I just want to add that you can regulate intensity of color by amount of onion skins in the pot with water, and by letting eggs cool down in the onion skins. Also if you cook brown eggs in the onion skins, the color would be even richer: red-brown. I used to scrape patterns on those brown eggs. Happy Easter!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 27, 2021

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me. Happy Easter!

      Reply

  • JodyW
    March 27, 2021

    I remember my grandmother (Ukrainian) making these, she saved up her onion peels for weeks/months in advance and just put them in the pot with the eggs. She also saved bread of all types that was leftover and let it dry out, then made stuffing for the turkey from breadcrumbs by crushing the dried bread with a rolling pin. Took a lot of elbow grease to do that! But it was delicious!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 27, 2021

      It really is the best method! thank you for sharing this with us!

      Reply

  • hposphorescent
    May 9, 2020

    I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written byhim as no one else know such detailed about my trouble.You’re incredible! Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 9, 2020

      That’s just awesome! Thank so much for sharing that with me. I’m glad you discover our blog!

      Reply

  • ipttsburgh
    May 1, 2020

    I truly do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally lost simply just trying to figure outhow to begin. Any suggestions or hints? Appreciate it!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 1, 2020

      We always recommend getting all of your ingredients ready before starting. Most recipes move fast and having it all ready helps the process.

      Reply

  • Barbara
    April 8, 2020

    How do you maintain your cutting board

    Reply

    • Natasha
      April 8, 2020

      Hi Barbara, we have been rubbing it with a little bit of olive oil every time we use it. If you want a specific product, the one by boos blocks is very good and we use it about monthly.

      Reply

  • December
    November 12, 2019

    Very cool… Natural coloring is the way to go. Great job Natasha!

    December

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 12, 2019

      Thank you!

      Reply

  • Nadja
    April 5, 2018

    Will be doing this today!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 5, 2018

      Awesome! Please let me know how they turn out!

      Reply

  • olivia
    April 10, 2017

    Methods you mentioned for natural easter eggs are simple and good. Thanks for posting. Keep blogging.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 10, 2017

      You’re welcome Olivia! Thanks for sharing 🙂

      Reply

  • Marina
    March 24, 2016

    Natasha, what about using beet’s skins to color eggs? They are so rich in color. When I peel the skin off it takes days to get the color off my fingers.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 24, 2016

      Hi Marina, that’s a great idea – they do stain like crazy! Have you tried it with the beet skins already?

      Reply

  • Evgenia
    April 8, 2015

    Just colored the eggs! It’s so easy and so pretty) Thank you for the tip with nylon 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      April 8, 2015

      You are welcome Evgenia and thank you for the great review :).

      Reply

  • Sherry
    December 15, 2014

    I love the look of these eggs! Is there a way to make these into decorations rather than eating these beautiful creations?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 15, 2014

      What do you mean exactly? Are you talking about the classic Russian egg art? You’d have to figure out how to get the egg out of the shell first and I don’t really have any experience in that. I’d probably do a google search 🙂

      Reply

      • Chrysa
        March 28, 2021

        Poke a pin in the top and bottom of the egg and blow out the center

        Reply

        • Deb Lanham
          March 30, 2021

          And wiggle the pin around some while you have it in the egg. That helps break through the membrane around the yolk, making the yolk part easier to blow out.

          Reply

  • Ani
    April 20, 2014

    Hi Natasha!!

    Hope you had a wonderful Easter! I used your tips on coloring eggs with leaf imprints and they turned out beautiful!! My husband is Ukrainian and Easter is a huge deal for his family and his mom helps me put together a traditional Easter basket to take to church every year. She always has beautiful eggs and it has been my goal to impress her with my colored eggs every year and this year it finally happened!! 😀 she was speechless at how beautiful my eggs turned out! She even took pictures of them to share with her mom and sister in Ukraine!!:)

    THANK HOU SO MUCH for this tutorial Natasha!! I couldn’t have done it without you (and my sister who helped me keep the leaf in place while I put the stocking over the egg:)) you are a peach!! 😉

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      April 20, 2014

      That’s so sweet. I’m so happy you impressed your Mom with the eggs. Thanks for sharing your story with me. That just made my night. Happy Easter!! 🙂

      Reply

  • Eugenia
    April 15, 2014

    Thank you!!! I did this yesterday and it worked out perfectly. The eggs I dyed were not totally white because they were from a farm. It worked anyway!!!
    Thanks!

    Zhenia

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      April 15, 2014

      I bet they were beautiful and even darker than mine were. If you posted them online somewhere, I’d love to see how they turned out! 🙂 My mom has chickens again; they’re still babies but when they start laying eggs, I imagine we’ll have plenty of brown eggs! Can’t wait!

      Reply

    • kris
      March 21, 2016

      I’m tempted to say that all eggs in stores are also from farms, even the white ones.

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        March 21, 2016

        What do you mean exactly. All eggs do come from some kind of farm unless you have your own in your back yard 🙂 My Mom has her own chickens so that is where I get my eggs 😉

        Reply

  • Aileen Smith
    April 3, 2014

    Wonderful discovery for me.

    Reply

  • Sowmya
    November 21, 2013

    This is the most creative post I have ever come across…!! Good job Natasha..

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 21, 2013

      Thank you 🙂

      Reply

  • Suebee
    November 14, 2013

    Just discovered your website and I feel like you are a long lost relative! I’m of Polish, Ukrainian and Lithuanian descent. I truly thought that the annual Easter egg wars (in our family called “epper the eggs”) was just something silly we did.
    Can’t wait to explore more!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 14, 2013

      Welcome to the blog Suebee :).

      Reply

      • Barbara Phetteplace
        March 23, 2023

        I love trying the many recipes shared. While I have been cooking for many years,I love ideas that add a new twist
        Coloring eggs has always been a tradition…I will certainly try this unique way this year!
        So fitting for my…go natural attitude! Thanks for the inspiration.

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          March 23, 2023

          Hi Barbara! You’re very welcome. I hope they turn out great. I’d love to see a picture. You can tag me on instagram or facebook. #natashaskitchen

          Reply

  • Olga's Flavor Factory
    July 23, 2013

    Those eggs are a beauty, Natasha! These eggs always bring up childhood memories. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  • Zina P
    May 4, 2013

    These came out beautiful. I especially like the parsley decoration. I will be taking them to church tonight in my Paskha basket to be blessed. Thank you for re-igniting my memories from childhood and your tutorial on how to make these wonderful, natural-dyed eggs.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      May 4, 2013

      I’m so glad you liked them 🙂

      Reply

  • esma
    May 3, 2013

    this is just amazing !!!! 😉

    Reply

  • Gaga
    March 31, 2013

    In Serbia the eggs are traditionally colored like that. They are the most beutiful.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 31, 2013

      That’s very cool! I didn’t know that 🙂 Any other tips you can share for next year?

      Reply

      • Gaga
        April 1, 2013

        Othodox Easter is in a month, on the fifth of May. I’ll tell you when I’ve dyed mine. 🙂

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          April 1, 2013

          Yes, I’d love to hear from you!!

          Reply

        • CHRISTO
          April 5, 2020

          I am a Greek Orthodox Christian and my mother and my wife color the eggs the same way!

          Reply

          • Natasha's Kitchen
            April 6, 2020

            Nice to hear that!

  • ola
    March 30, 2013

    Ive never thought to put them in the stockings. And about ” knocking game”, one side of the egg is more difficult to crash (just dont remember which one, will know tomorrow. Btw are you going to church with Easter basket ?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 30, 2013

      We are taking the Easter basket to my parents house after church :). Let me know how you did on your “knocking game”.

      Reply

  • Alona
    March 29, 2013

    So Beautiful & love the natural approach 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 29, 2013

      Thank you Alona, a great way to use up my onion peels :).

      Reply

  • lyuda
    March 29, 2013

    How do the eggs come out? Are they completely cooked inside or runny? Cause we like the runny eggs and I’m trying to figure out how to color them like this and still get a soft boiled egg. Any suggestions?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 29, 2013

      They are completely cooked; maybe try to cook for 7-8 minutes, although the color won’t be as dark as if you cooked them the full 10 min.

      Reply

  • Yuliya
    March 28, 2013

    My mom always made the eggs this way for easter!!!!:))))

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 28, 2013

      My mom is the same way :).

      Reply

  • Henrietta
    March 28, 2013

    Thanks so much! Just what i was looking for to explain it on my blog

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 28, 2013

      Thank you for sharing it on your blog Henrietta :). Happy Easter!

      Reply

  • Elizabeth S. (Russia)
    March 27, 2013

    Your next recipe should be one using the onions, ha ha! I guess one could just chop the onions and put them in the freezer? I did not have the foresight to save the skins all year.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 27, 2013

      Yeah, I guess it’s a little easier for me because my mom grows onions so she had tons of onions and peels in her shed.

      Reply

  • Elvira
    March 26, 2013

    These came out really nice Natasha! Check out my Blog for another natural way to decorate Easter eggs.

    http://1sttimemomm.wordpress.com/2013/03/26/how-to-decorate-easter-eggs/

    -Elza

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 26, 2013

      I really like your decorations on the eggs, very creative Elvira :).

      Reply

  • Oksana
    March 25, 2013

    You are such a smart cookie! I absolutely LOVE this idea! I will be getting in the kitchen on Saturday and making this with my son 🙂 Thank you for the idea.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 25, 2013

      I’m glad you love it :).

      Reply

  • Nadia
    March 25, 2013

    These look pretty! I remember making them when I was a child.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 25, 2013

      It feels good to keep traditions going and teach my son as well :).

      Reply

  • Anastasiya
    March 22, 2013

    Natasha, these are absolutely gorgeous!!! Wow! Great job.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 22, 2013

      Thank you 🙂

      Reply

  • Julia | JuliasAlbum.com
    March 22, 2013

    Natasha, my mom used to do exactly this on Easter! Using onion peel and parsley or cilantro! I need to start doing the same and make some kulichi, too!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 22, 2013

      I just made my first ever kulich which turned out great :).

      Reply

  • Marina | Let the Baking Begin!
    March 22, 2013

    How creative! I’ve never done egg coloring but this looks pretty easy to do. Oh and I love your pictures!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 22, 2013

      Thank you Marina :).

      Reply

  • Vera
    March 21, 2013

    Wow!!! This is so cool!!! Im gonna make these for easter

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 21, 2013

      Thanks Vera. Have fun with these!

      Reply

  • Rosie Kuzmicz
    March 21, 2013

    Hi Natasha! Question, does the onion flavor the egg? Pretty much does the egg taste like you are eating an onion?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 21, 2013

      Not at all Rosie :).

      Reply

  • Lily K
    March 21, 2013

    Beautiful! Have you tried coloring eggs using any other plants? I know things like beets, spinach, red cabbage leaves and some spices can give good color, anything else thats worth trying?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 21, 2013

      I haven’t experimented with other plants but my readers have. They recommend red cabbage for blue, turmeric for yellow, and one followed by the other for green. Another one recommended:
      Yellow: 2 tablespoons turmeric, 1/2 cup dried marigolds, goldenrod or cosmos, or a handful of carrot tops
      Green: Handful of coltsfoot
      Blue: 2 cups chopped red cabbage
      Pink: 2 cups chopped beets
      Purple: 1 cup frozen blueberries
      Brown: 2 tablespoons coffee grounds or 4 black tea bags

      Hope this helps :).

      Reply

  • oksana
    March 21, 2013

    i’m soo glad that you have this site.. seriously.. i love always looking up for recipes. Thank you Natasha, God bless you and your family

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 21, 2013

      Thank you Oksana 🙂 God bless you too!

      Reply

  • oksana
    March 21, 2013

    wow! this is perfect! 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 21, 2013

      Thank you Oksana :).

      Reply

  • Luda
    March 21, 2013

    Will this work on farm fresh eggs which are mainly brown in color?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 21, 2013

      I haven’t tested that but I don’t think you’d get the same variety of colors, although my mom said that they will just be darker in color.

      Reply

  • D
    March 20, 2013

    So nice! That’s exactly what they do during the Easter time in Russia! Now it is maybe time for some “kulich”?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 20, 2013

      Kulich is coming up next :).

      Reply

  • Lily
    March 20, 2013

    They looks so pretty! I like that you did naturally dyed eggs so you can also eat them.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 20, 2013

      Yep!! It’s definitely more enjoyable to eat naturally dyed eggs; I admit I still ate the chemically dyed ones… ewe… 🙂

      Reply

  • Olviya
    March 20, 2013

    aaand just when I though natashaskitchen couldn’t get any cooler…it did 😉

    What a fun tutorial! I love how easy/practical these eggs are. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 20, 2013

      You’re so sweet. Thank you dear 🙂

      Reply

  • Nadia
    March 20, 2013

    Do you know if this method is going to work with eggs that are light brown in color(not white eggs)?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 20, 2013

      I haven’t tried it but I think you get a wider range of colors with white eggs. But in Ukraine, mostly brown eggs were used for coloring so you should not have any trouble at all :).

      Reply

  • vikulya
    March 20, 2013

    Very impressive!!! It makes Easter Holiday even brighter:)
    Thanks, Natasha!!!
    P.s. writing this comment while eating your moms split pea soup. Yum!!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 20, 2013

      That’s so cool! I love that soup too, well obviously. Lol. 🙂

      Reply

  • Dina
    March 20, 2013

    Very cool… Natural coloring is the way to go. Great job Natasha!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 20, 2013

      Thank you Dina :). I love all the different colors on them, not one is the same.

      Reply

  • moms dish
    March 20, 2013

    Mom colors eggs for us every Easter. Wrapping with rubber band makes lines and placing sticker too.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 20, 2013

      That’s a great tip, I can really see my son getting carried away with stickers :D.

      Reply

  • lana
    March 20, 2013

    Wow… girl. They are beautiful!! And natural coloring…. I like. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 20, 2013

      You are welcome Lana :).

      Reply

  • Olya
    March 19, 2013

    Wow impressive!! I love hard boiled eggs! My fav!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 19, 2013

      Thank you Olya 🙂 These were really fun to make. I’m a little early, but I’m really excited about Easter!

      Reply

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