Spring colors are beginning to immerse throughout the Napa Valley landscape, transforming the region into a vibrant scene. Fruit tree blooms emerge in shades of snow white, pale pink, and brilliant lavender. Daffodils, in bright yellow, pepper the vineyard lanes, while vibrant cover crops of fava beans, red clover, and wildflowers fill the spaces between the rows of vines. Alongside, you might spot woolly creatures grazing among the vines—our friendly sheep, who naturally mow and graze throughout the season. Meanwhile, the Clif Family Farm chickens stay busy, laying eggs in an array of beautiful colors like deep chocolate, blue, green, and pink.
As we celebrate this vibrant season, we’re also excited to share our approach to natural egg dyeing, using ingredients from nature that reflect the season's colorful bounty.
Ingredients needed for each color solution:
1 cup water 2 tsp. white vinegar 2 Tbsp. brown or white Sugar 2 Tbsp. salt Oil, as needed (preferably plant-based)For coloring, try these ingredients depending on the color desired.
2 tsp. turmeric – Yellow 1 cup yellow onion skins – Orange 1 black tea bag – Brown 1 cup purple cabbage, chopped – Blue 1 cup beets, diced - Pink 1 cup, deep pigmented red wine, (like Clif Family Arriva Dessert Wine) – MaroonDIRECTIONS:
First, boil the eggs and set them aside. Feel free to use white, brown, or any egg color of your choice. Just ensure the eggs come to room temperature before you begin dyeing.
To create each color solution, combine water, sugar, salt, and the coloring agent in a pot. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 30 minutes.
Next, strain the liquid from the solids into a bowl (or glass mason jar), then add the white vinegar. Discard the solid ingredients.
Submerge your eggs into the dye solution. For the most vibrant colors, allow them to soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.
Finally, remove the eggs from the dye, dry them gently with a paper towel, and rub them with a light layer of olive oil for a beautiful shine.
Refrigerate the finished eggs until you're ready to use them.
As the season of renewal unfolds in Napa Valley, natural egg dyeing offers a creative and eco-friendly way to celebrate the beauty of spring. By using ingredients like turmeric, cabbage, and even red wine, you can add a personal touch to your Easter traditions, all while embracing nature’s vibrant palette. Whether you're dyeing eggs with family or simply enjoying the colors of the season, this sustainable practice brings a bit of the farm's charm into your home. We hope this guide to natural egg dyeing inspires you to try something new and make your Easter celebrations even more special.
