|
|
Naturally Dyed Eggs--Finally Made Easy!
Eggs dyed with Teknuvations' system! ON SALE FOR EASTER 2005! Promotional Sheet (PDF 198 kb) There is a long history to dying eggs with natural materials. Eggs were dyed with natural materials well before the coal-tar-derived synthetic dyes were developed in the late 1800's. Natural dyes produce more subtle pastel colors than their synthetic competitors. They also have a longer history of human use, and are therefore considered safer and more healthy by some people. Current interest in natural egg dyes can be seen in a variety of outlets. A Google search for natural egg dye produces tens of thousands of hits. Television programs and magazines also feature information about dying eggs naturally. With a few exceptions, the current natural dye procedures involve boiling the eggs with the natural material producing the color. As an example, eggs may be boiled with beets, blueberries, spinach, or a variety of other materials. This method works, but there are many significant downfalls: Dying eggs in this way is far more time consuming than using a dye kit. A variety of natural materials must be gathered. Eggs must be boiled in separate pots with each dye. Cleanup can also be very messy. Dying eggs is supposed to be fun and safe for kids. Kids can have little safe involvement in this method of dying. Eggs must often be boiled for an extended period of time to achieve satisfactory color depth. Overcooking the eggs makes then not edible. In late 2003, Teknuvations began researching natural egg dyes as an offshoot to its successful development and reformulation of Doc Hinkle's dye. In April, 2004 Teknuvations began laboratory research to develop natural dye samples. Dozen of formulations were prepared and tested. Three highly-concentrated powder-based colors were developed: red, blue, and yellow. The powdered dyes are mixed with warm water in a small bowl or other container. Hard-boiled eggs and a small amount of white vinegar are placed into the dye bath. The dye bath is refrigerated and the eggs are checked periodically until the desired hue is achieved. Light pastel colors can be achieved in as little as a few minutes of dying, while deep rich color are produced an hour or more. The above photo shows eggs dyed with Teknuvations' natural egg dye system. Dyed eggs are completely edible and food safe. They have not been exposed to extended time at room temperature and have not been over cooked and boiled in a dye bath for extended periods. Most importantly, the dye is fun and safe for children. The dying process involves no boiling water, no harsh chemicals, and no artificial colors! With the three colors, a variety of shades and hues can be produced. As an example, to make green, eggs are dipped in blue followed by yellow. Click for detailed instructions.
|
Copyright © 2004 Teknuvations, LLC
|
Teknuvations
has commercialized the natural dye system and is selling it as a kit for Easter
2005. The kit allows families and children to naturally dye eggs, while avoiding the
downfalls outlined above. To express a wholesale interest in the natural dye kit,
please