A BALUT is a fertilized bird egg (usually a duck) which is incubated for a period of 14 to 21 days depending on the local culture and then boiled or steamed. The contents are eaten directly from the shell.
Balut that are incubated for longer periods have well-developed embryo and the features of the duckling are recognizable. The partially-developed embryo bones are soft enough to chew and swallow as a whole.
The mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchus), also known as the "Pateros duck", is considered to be the most important breed for egg production to make balut.
Balut is a common street food in the Philippines and other localities, and is also sold in stores and malls. It is a relatively cheap source of protein and calcium. Balut was introduced to the Philippines by the Chinese around 1885 and since then, balut has been included as a traditional part of the culture.
Some foreigners find it yucky but to Filipinos, "balut" is one yummy delicacy that will never go out of style.
Adding to the peculiarity of this appetizing street food is the melodious way vendors go about selling their wares throughout the night.
Cries of balut will either be long or short depending on the voice of the hawker of this tasty dish, which is also a rich source of calcium and protein.
In Cubao alone, stalls selling this delicacy abound - much to the delight of Filipinos from all walks of life with a craving for balut, which costs around PHP11 to PHP14 each.
“Binabalikan yung balut ko dahil sa suka, masarap kasi saka pati na rin ‘yung lasa (Many are craving for the balut that I sell because of my vinegar that goes with it. It's delicious),” said Wilma Apostol, 61, who has been selling balut for more than 10 years.
She gets her balut from the province of Laguna, not in Pateros as balut there is cheaper.
“Kasi masustansya at malasa ‘yung balut kaya marami bumibili. Mas mabenta ang balut araw-araw. Depende ang kita namin sa dami ng bumibili (There are many buyers because it is nutritious and delicious. Balut really sells like hotcakes. Of course, our income depends on the number of buyers),” Elvera Roa, 40, said.
For Darwin Fernandez, 20, he prefers balut than “penoy" or unfertilized egg.
“Matagal na akong mahilig sa balut, minsan nga ‘pag galing sa eskwela, bumibili ako ng balut bago pumila sa pagsakay sa jeep (I'm fond of balut for a long time. There are times when I buy balut before falling in line for a jeepney ride on the way home from school),” he said, while eating balut.
Meanwhile, Russel Agang, 20, said while he was stunned with the sisiw (chick) inside it, what he really craves for is the egg's sabaw (the egg's amniotic fluid).
So the next time one hears a vendor chanting balut, it would be best to go out and experience this one-of-a-kind gastronomic adventure. (PNA/Wikipedia)
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