Is It Ok to Eat Balut When Pregnant
Every culture has one of those odd, head-scratcher dishes – from the haggis of Scotland to the deep-fried butter of a Texas State Fair – but few are as initially off-putting as a balut egg. These fertilized duck eggs are an everyday street food in the Philippines and in other parts of Southeast Asia, but are not generally seen elsewhere except as something you'd eat on a dare. They are, however, considered a delicacy for good reason, and if you're adventurous enough, a rich broth and delicately flavored morsel of unborn duck await you.
Facts About Balut Eggs
Balut eggs are believed to have originated in China thousands of years ago, but they were not seen outside Southeast Asia until the early 1800s. Balut eggs are fertilized duck eggs that have been allowed to age for anywhere from 12 to 20 days. The younger the egg, the less developed the duck fetus inside it. Some in the Philippines believe that the more developed a fetus you're able to eat, the more manly you must be, and some consider balut eggs to be an aphrodisiac. Many pregnant women eat balut eggs believing that they encourage a healthy pregnancy.
Nutritional Value of Balut Eggs
Balut eggs are an inexpensive and easily obtained source of protein throughout Southeast Asia. They're packed with vitamin C and beta carotene, both of which are powerful antioxidants that help clean free radicals from your bloodstream and support your immune system. In addition, they contain niacin, riboflavin and thiamine, which help you metabolize energy. At 188 calories each, with only 14 grams of protein and loads of calcium, iron and phosphorus, balut eggs are a healthy addition to an adventurous diet.
How to Cook Balut Eggs
Choose eggs that have been allowed to age not more than 17 days so the duck fetus will not have developed a beak, bones or feathers. Farm-grown balut eggs from ducks who eat a natural diet of snails are the best, because they'll have the freshest, mildest and most delicate flavor. Balut eggs are best eaten fresh out of the cooking pot. Put the balut eggs in a deep pot and cover them completely with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then cover the pot, turn off the heat and let the eggs sit for at least 30 minutes.
How to Serve Balut Eggs
Scoop the balut eggs out of the hot water and place one or two into small, shallow bowls. Crack an egg with the edge of a spoon as you would to get a soft-boiled egg out of its shell. If the eggs are from ducks who have been fed their natural diet, sprinkle a little bit of salt into the egg. If the balut eggs are commercially farmed, you may want to sprinkle in a mixture of vinegar and chili oil. Drink the broth, eat the egg yolk and and then eat the duck fetus. If it has been allowed to age not more than 17 days, it shouldn't have any bones, will taste like chicken and will have a texture that is closer to brick cream cheese or tofu. Eggs that have aged for longer may have beaks, bones and feathers which can all be eaten. Discard the shell and any white albumen that might be left in it.
Is It Ok to Eat Balut When Pregnant
Source: https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/balut-egg-2775.html