How to Make Beetroot Ink

A variety of colors of ink can be made from different natural sources, including black walnuts, acorns, pokeberries, and beetroot. The inkmaking process is simple and involves heat, straining, and time. Once you know the basic premise of inkmaking, you can experiment with different natural materials. Beetroot ink makes a beautiful shade of purplish red.

Step 1: ​Gather Supplies

You will need a pot, a mesh strainer, knife, cutting board, at least 1 large beet (or more depending on how much ink you want), and a small jar with a lid

Step 2: Chop 'em Up

Chop beets into cubes smaller than 1 inch

Step 3: Cooking Prep

Put chopped beets into pot and add barely enough water to cover beets

Step 4: Cooking

Put on stove and turn heat to high until water boils. Turn heat down to medium and let simmer until beets are soft, about 20 minutes. Test consistency of beets periodically. You will eventually be pressing a couple pieces through a strainer, so you need them to be soft enough.

Step 5: Transfer to Container

When beets are soft, pour liquid only into the jar.

Step 6: Thickening

When beets have cooled down enough to handle, take a couple pieces and press through the mesh strainer into your ink. This adds consistency.

Step 7: Cooling

Stir mixture well and let cool

To preserve your beetroot ink you can freeze it, or experiment with adding small amount of rubbing alcohol or salt.

Step 8: How Does It Work?

Test your ink. It's beautiful! Check out other instructables to learn how to make a feather pen!

Step 9: The Leftovers

Saving the beets for snacks=zero waste!

Search instructables and the internet at large for recipes involving boiled beets.