An ancient 'superfood' sent from heaven
Sources for natural colorings can be found where you least expect, and many may already be in your pantry or fridge.
The second method is to create a concentrated liquid, which you can achieve by using a juicer, or straining a purée (first simmer, then blend, then strain). Whichever you choose, you have to reduce it to get rid of excess water and create the most concentrated color possible.
If you weren’t already on board, creating your own natural food dyes is a great way to reduce food waste because you can use scraps or leftovers. Plus, you won’t be buying the plastic food coloring containers!
Powders are the easiest method because they dissolve and are already somewhat concentrated. You can buy powdered ingredients, or you can buy freeze-dried fruits and veggies and turn them into a powder yourself in a food processor or spice grinder.
Because you’re not using chemicals, the trick to getting as vibrant a color as possible is to start with the most concentrated base you can. You can do that with two main methods.
If you want to achieve a pretty pink hue, the best dyes to use are strawberries and raspberries.
For a vibrant yellow and a nice boost of anti-inflammatories, saffron and turmeric are the go-to dye ingredients.
Despite their name, blueberries will actually produce a more purple color, along with purple sweet potato or yam, also known as ube, the latter of which can also be bought in powder form.
Coffee, tea, and cocoa will easily do the trick if you’re looking for a more brown color, and in fact they go great in icing for desserts.
Boiling sliced red cabbage, straining it, and letting it simmer will present a deep purple liquid. Add a tiny bit of baking soda and it’ll turn a beautiful blue!
Spinach, matcha powder, and spirulina are healthy and energizing ways to dye your food green. Plus, the latter two already come in powdered form!
If you can’t get your hands on squid ink, the more readily available option is activated charcoal, which has become a favorite in ice cream trends.
Boiling the seeds of avocados can actually draw out a warm peach color.
Heat can play a role in how some of these colors transform. For example, using a natural food dye in icing may look different when you use the same dye in cookies that come out a little more brown and dull.
There is so much you can do with frosting alone, but even beyond that there are tons of ways to incorporate more color into your cuisine.
Get the kids involved in creating all their rainbow-filled desires.
Boring old hummus will never look the same again.
Because you’re not using chemicals, these dyes may retain a slight flavor. Fortunately, that can often be a great addition that turns a regular recipe into a gourmet one. But when mixing sweet and savory, you’ll want to match flavors carefully.
There's nothing like a burst of color with breakfast! These rainbow pancakes are easier than they look.
You can always bet on activated charcoal for some spooky bakes.
Or non-alcoholic beverages! The tints put the drinks over the top and add to the overall enjoyment.
Ravioli, linguine, spaghetti—whatever flour-and-egg-based mixture you're whipping up can always do with a splash of color.
Whether they're mint chip or sweet matcha, green cookies look weirdly appetizing.
Melting cheese down with some food coloring opens up a world of possibility (think: pizza, macaroni, grilled cheese, etc.).
Homemade bagels became a huge trend over the pandemic, but now that the secret is out on how easy they are, level up with some playful hues.
There has already been a rise in rainbow sushi, but that's just the tip of the iceberg of possibilities.
For a deeper, stronger color, beets and cherries do a great job.
Carrots, paprika, and yellow-fleshed sweet potatoes can be used to achieve a great orange color, and they each can go well with both sweet or savory dishes.
Natural food dyes can also dye fiber such as yarn, clothing, and pillowcases.
Sources: (Food 52) (The Spruce Eats) (Edible LA)
See also: The benefits of the rainbow diet
Over the years, cooking has gone from something private we do in our kitchens as a means to survive, to something we take pride in and share online and use to impress people. You’ve surely come across pictures of meals that are probably not too different from something you’ve made yourself, but with a dazzling different array of colors. Most people also pay a good amount to get a fun-colored food item so they can take a photo of it before even tasting it.
Since we all know food coloring is not the greatest, there are a number of natural ways to dye your food and create something that your kids, friends online, or dining partner will love. Click on to find out more.
Natural food dye tricks for more colorful cuisine
Reduce food waste and impress all your friends with these ingredients you already have
FOOD Diy
Over the years, cooking has gone from something private we do in our kitchens as a means to survive, to something we take pride in and share online and use to impress people. You’ve surely come across pictures of meals that are probably not too different from something you’ve made yourself, but with a dazzling different array of colors. Most people also pay a good amount to get a fun-colored food item so they can take a photo of it before even tasting it.
Since we all know food coloring is not the greatest, there are a number of natural ways to dye your food and create something that your kids, friends online, or dining partner will love. Click on to find out more.