What is balut?

Balut is a developing bird embryo (usually a duck) that is boiled and eaten from the shell. It is a popular street food in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Laos.

Here are some key aspects of balut:

• Development Stage: Balut is typically incubated for 14 to 21 days before being cooked. The precise length of incubation affects the taste and texture of the final product. Shorter incubation produces an embryo with less development, while longer incubation results in more visible features like feathers and bones.

• Consumption: Balut is generally eaten directly from the shell. It is often seasoned with salt, vinegar, or chili. The broth surrounding the embryo is sipped first, followed by the yolk and the developing chick.

• Nutritional Value: Balut is considered a relatively nutritious food, rich in protein and calcium.

• Cultural Significance: It is considered an aphrodisiac in some cultures and is often associated with virility. It is also a part of many local traditions and festivities.

• Variations: There are slight variations in how balut is prepared and consumed in different regions.

• Controversy: Eating balut can be controversial due to ethical considerations regarding the consumption of developing animal embryos.