Apple cider vinegar is vinegar made through alcoholic fermentation of apple juice. About 94% of its components are water, while acetic acid and carbohydrates comprise 5% and 1% in that order.
Apple cider vinegar is known to have several benefits to the human body, including a boost to the digestive system. The most common uses of apple cider vinegar include salad dressing, baking, cooking, and food coloration.
Apple cider vinegar can be considered to be one healthiest food coloring components.
Can You Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Color Eggs?
Apple cider vinegar qualifies as a useful component in coloring cooked eggs. The vinegar has the proper acidity levels necessary for activating color dyes used in egg coloring. Besides, there is no health risk posed by using apple cider vinegar as an ingredient in the coloration of the eggs. That means it’s safe to eat them after the coloring. However, due to the tinted vinegar color, you may likely see as if your eggs are a little discolored.
How Do I Color My Eggs Using Apple Cider Vinegar
The egg coloring process is always fun and easy. I just like what I’m able to do in a short time. I enjoy doing it, and I guess you would too because it’s easier than you think. Here is a quick recipe for the preparation of colored eggs.
Ingredients
- Eggs
- ½ cup of water
- Apple cider vinegar
- Gel food coloring
Process
- Step 1: Boil your eggs until they are fully cooked.
- Step 2: Remove the eggshell and leave the eggs to cool down.
- Step 3: Boil the half cup of water and then pour it into a small-size container, probably the size of a cup.
- Step 4: Add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and stir.
- Step 5: Add between 10 to 20 drops of gel food coloring and continue stirring for about a minute.
- Step 6: Dip the cooked egg in the mixture and let it last for 5 minutes.
- Step 7: Using a wire-egg holder, tongs, or spoon, remove your egg from the mixture.
- Step 8: Dry the egg using a paper towel.
- Step 9: Place the egg in an egg holder or a carton, and then place it in the refrigerator.
- Step 10: Repeat the same process for each egg or color.
Why I Use Apple Cider Vinegar in Coloring My Eggs
For most food coloring dyes, using vinegar is a requirement. However, I like using apple cider vinegar when coloring my eggs, and I have my reasons. While some of these reasons may be common for all the different types of vinegar, some differ. You probably have your but here are mine.
1. Perfect acidity levels
If your vinegar has higher acidity is too low, you might have some problems with food coloring. Apple cider vinegar has a pH level of approximately 2-3, which is just perfect for the job. These acidity levels make it compatible with most gel food coloring dyes.
2. Flavor
I just love the apple cider vinegar tastes on my eggs. So for me, this thrilling flavor makes apple cider vinegar a top choice for egg coloring. If you love the apple flavor, I bet you would love it too.
3. Health benefits
Even though it is in low quantity in the egg coloring process, I know it would still work wonders. Apple cider vinegar has been associated with;
- Reduction in cholesterol levels,
- Blood pressure-lowering,
- Slowing down the growth of cancerous cells,
- Lowering blood sugars, and
- Improved digestion process.
Why I Color My Eggs
My choice to color eggs is inspired by several reasons, both personal and others, based on occasions. Here are some ideal reasons why I love coloring eggs, and you should probably consider them too.
1. Decoration
Egg decoration is kind of my thing when it comes to Easter decorations. So, when the holiday comes, I’m eager to achieve this as part of my to-do list.
I guess it gives me the satisfaction of going full throttle into the celebrations.
Moreover, I also use it when I have guests around. Placing the decorated eggs on the dining table is cute and soothes the moment!
2. Appetizing Effect
Food coloring is cute and gives me that “see taste” that leaves me craving eggs. Besides, the scent and the flavor are just fantastic, giving me even a better reason to love the coloring necessary.
3. Pass Time
Cooking or making recipes is one of the best tricks to kill time. I like doing something exciting and engaging, and fortunately, egg coloring is such a thing. So, on an afternoon or weekend, you might just find me doing the egg decorations.
Common Substitutes for Apple Cider Vinegar
Although apple cider vinegar is the best, in my view, you may sometimes want a substitute just for a change. See some top reliable substitutes you can use.
- Sparkling wine vinegar,
- White wine vinegar,
- Red wine vinegar,
- Rice wine vinegar,
- Distilled white vinegar,
- Sherry vinegar,
- Malt vinegar, and
- Balsamic vinegar.
One must remember that the suitable pH for the vinegar must be an acidity level of 2-3.
Frequently Asked Questions on Can You Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Color Eggs?
Should I dye my eggs when they are cold or warm?
You can dye eggs either warm or cold, but it is preferable to do it when cold for several reasons. First, cold eggs are hardened and hence are not too delicate, and secondly, with cold eggs, it’s unlikely you’ll get yourself burned.
How long can I keep colored eggs before eating them?
At room temperature, this could be a couple of hours. If you decide to refrigerate them, it may take them a day.
How long does it take for apple cider vinegar take to go bad?
When unopened, apple cider vinegar has a shelf life of two years, while after it is opened can remain usable for a year maximum. The best place to store opened vinegar should be in a cabinet. Also, ensure it’s no direct sunlight to your vinegar.