Ingredients
- Fresh fruits or vegetables (such as beets, carrots, spinach, berries)
- Water (if needed)
- Saucepan
- Blender or food processor
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Instructions
Select Your Fruits or Vegetables:
Choose vibrant fruits (like berries) or vegetables (like beets or spinach) for the best color. Freshly juiced produce will yield more color than store-bought juice.
- Juicing or Pureeing:
For Juices: If using whole fruits or vegetables, juice them using a juicer or blender. If using a blender, you may need to add a little water to help with blending.
For Purees: Puree your chosen produce in a blender or food processor. Add a small amount of water if necessary to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Strain the Mixture:
Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the juice or puree, separating the liquid from any solids.
- Concentrate the Color:
Pour the strained liquid into a saucepan and simmer over low heat. Reduce the liquid until you have about a quarter of the original volume. This will intensify the color.
- Cool and Store:
Allow the concentrated liquid to cool before adding it to your recipes. Store any leftover coloring in an airtight container in the refrigerator for future use.
Notes
- Start with small amounts of your powdered or liquid coloring and gradually add more to achieve your desired shade.
Store your prepared colors in sealed containers, refrigerating any made with fruits or vegetables. Your homemade food coloring will last for a few weeks, so be sure to test for freshness before use.