Can you eat Easter eggs that have been dyed?
You can eat colored Easter eggs—just be safe if you’re going to eat them. Eggs that have been dyed with food-grade dyes or natural dyes are usually safe to eat. The American Egg Board advises that you discard hard-boiled eggs that have been out of the fridge for more than two hours. Keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to color them or serve them. Refrigerate hard-boiled eggs that have been dyed whenever you’re not working with them. Put them in their cartons if you won’t be decorating them right after cooking. Refrigerate them again right after dyeing or decorating them. Discard your hard-boiled Easter eggs after seven days. Do not eat shaving cream Easter eggs or eggs that have been decorated with materials like non-food-grade dyes, silk fabrics, rubber cement, nail polish, or paint. When in doubt, avoid eating dyed Easter eggs.
Easter Egg Dye Safety Tips
When dyeing easter eggs, make sure the eggs you color aren’t cracked. If any cracks appear during dyeing or decorating, throw them away. Use food coloring or specially made, food-grade egg dyes. Dissolve the dye in water that is warmer than the eggs. If you are using crayons, paints, or other art materials, be sure they are labeled nontoxic. Or, use edible decorations like herbs. (You can use any art materials you like if you’re not going to eat the eggs.) To dye eggs with food coloring, add 1 teaspoon white vinegar and 20 drops of food color to 1/2 cup boiling water. Dip eggs.
How to Boil Eggs for Easter
To prevent discolored rings from forming on hard-boiled eggs, put them in a pan, add water to cover by 1 inch and bring just to a boil. Remove from heat, cover and let stand 15 to 18 minutes, then chill in cold water. Or, if you have an Instant Pot, you can boil and dye your Easter eggs in just a few minutes.
