Balut: History, Taste, Health Benefits, and Halal Status

Balut is a famous and sometimes scary food from Southeast Asia, especially in the Philippines and Vietnam. It is a fertilized duck egg that has been cooked. While some people are afraid to try it, others are just curious. Balut is more than just a strange food – it’s part of the culture and even has some health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at what balut is and why people eat it.

What is Balut?

Balut is a fertilized duck egg that has been kept warm for 14 to 21 days before it is boiled or steamed and eaten. During this time, the baby duck starts to grow inside the egg. When people eat balut, they are eating both the egg and the baby duck inside.

Some balut eggs have very small baby ducks inside, while others have more grown ones with parts like beaks, feathers, and bones. Even though this might sound strange, many people in the Philippines and Vietnam eat balut as a common street food.

History of Balut

Balut is thought to have started in China, where people have eaten similar eggs for a long time. From there, it became popular in Southeast Asia. The Philippines is the country most famous for balut. It has been eaten for hundreds of years, not only as a snack but also as a symbol of life and strength.

In the Philippines, balut became very common during the time Spain ruled the country. Today, balut sellers are found on many streets, especially in the evening when it is most often sold.

How is Balut Made?

Making balut takes time, attention, and care. Here’s how it is done:

• Incubation: Fertilized duck eggs are kept in a warm place for about 14-21 days. The embryo, or baby duck, starts to grow during this time. Some people like their balut with a small embryo, while others like it more developed.
• Boiling: After the right amount of time, the egg is boiled or steamed, just like a regular egg.
• Eating: Balut is then eaten warm, while still in the shell. You crack the shell, sip the broth (the liquid inside), and then eat the egg, embryo, and yolk.

What Does Balut Taste Like?

Many people wonder what balut tastes like. Surprisingly, it tastes better than it looks. The flavor is often compared to a mix between a hard-boiled egg and chicken soup.

• The Broth: Inside the shell, there is a little liquid that tastes like light chicken soup. People often drink this first.
• The Yolk: The yolk is thick, creamy, and a bit grainy, similar to a regular boiled egg but with more flavor.
• The Embryo: This is the part that surprises most people. But if you can look past the way it looks, the embryo tastes soft and mild, a bit like chicken.
• The Egg White: If the egg has been left to grow longer, the egg white can be tough and chewy. Some people don’t eat this part, but others like it.

How to Eat Balut

Balut is eaten straight from the shell. Here’s the simple way to enjoy it:

1. Crack the Shell: Gently break the top of the egg with a spoon or your fingers.
2. Sip the Broth: Once there’s a small hole, sip the broth from the egg.
3. Peel the Shell: Remove the rest of the shell to see the yolk and embryo.
4. Add Flavor: Many people sprinkle salt or add vinegar or chili to make it taste even better.
5. Eat in Parts: First, eat the yolk, then the embryo, and lastly the egg white if you like.

Health Benefits of Balut

Balut is more than just an interesting food; it’s also healthy. Here are some reasons why:

• Protein: Balut is full of protein, which helps build muscles and keep you strong.
• Vitamins and Minerals: It has lots of Vitamin A, iron, and calcium. These help your eyes, bones, and blood.
• Energy: The mix of fat and protein in balut gives you energy that lasts for a long time.
• Aphrodisiac: In the Philippines, some people believe that balut helps boost energy and even acts as an aphrodisiac.

Is Balut Halal?

Whether balut is halal (allowed in Islamic law) depends on how developed the embryo is. Some Muslim scholars say that if the embryo is not fully formed, it is okay to eat. But if the embryo looks like a baby bird, it might not be halal. In some Muslim communities, people eat balut, while others avoid it. It’s best to ask a local religious leader if you’re unsure.

Should You Try Balut?

If you enjoy trying new foods and want to experience Southeast Asian culture, balut is worth a try! It’s more than just a strange dish – it’s a part of history and tradition. If you’re in the Philippines or Vietnam and see a balut vendor, don’t be afraid. Sip the broth, enjoy the yolk, and maybe even try the embryo. You might find that you like it!