The recent grilled balut craze might’ve catapulted balut into the collective consciousness once again and might’ve tempted you to try it. However, in the sea of all the warnings and fearmongering about balut, it might be discouraging to even try out of fear for your health. Not to worry, though, we’re here to set the record straight so you can consume (in moderation) this delectable snack in peace.
Surely by this point we’re all aware of what balut is. If you aren’t, it is a fertilized duck egg, typically boiled and enjoyed as a street food snack. The fascinating aspect lies within the egg itself, as it contains both a partially developed embryo and a rich, flavorful yolk. While it may seem unconventional to some, balut has a surprisingly wide range of potential health benefits that are worth exploring.
First and foremost, balut is a fantastic source of high-quality protein. Packed with essential amino acids, this exotic delicacy can contribute to muscle growth and repair, making it an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts and athletes. Additionally, balut is rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and vitamin A, all of which play crucial roles in maintaining a healthy body.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s dive right in and learn about these six surprising health benefits of balut.
Balut Health Benefits You’ll Go Crazy Over!
Duck eggs offer several health benefits due to their nutrient composition. Here are some potential health benefits associated with consuming duck eggs:
High in nutrients: Duck eggs are rich in essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals. They contain high-quality protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues, as well as supporting overall growth and development.
Rich in vitamins: Duck eggs contain various vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and B vitamins such as B12, riboflavin, and folic acid. These vitamins play vital roles in maintaining healthy vision, bone health, immune function, and energy metabolism.
Mineral content: Duck eggs are a good source of minerals like iron, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc. Iron is important for carrying oxygen in the blood, while phosphorus and zinc contribute to bone health and growth. Selenium acts as an antioxidant and supports the immune system.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Duck eggs are a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with reducing inflammation, improving brain function, and supporting overall cardiovascular health.
Choline content: Duck eggs are a good source of choline, a nutrient that plays a crucial role in brain development and function. Choline is also involved in liver function, muscle movement, and supporting a healthy nervous system.
It's worth noting that while duck eggs offer these potential health benefits, they are also higher in cholesterol compared to chicken eggs. Therefore, individuals with specific dietary restrictions or concerns about cholesterol intake may need to consume duck eggs in moderation.
As always, it's important to maintain a balanced and varied diet to reap the benefits of different nutrients. If you have specific health concerns or dietary needs, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice.
BONUS: Delicious Dishes to Make From Balut (and where to get them)
Adobong Balut
Photo by: Bitesized.ph
To make Adobong Balut, you start by preparing the balut eggs. The eggs are carefully boiled until they are fully cooked. Once cooked, they are cracked open and peeled, leaving the embryo intact. The balut eggs are then set aside.
Next, you prepare the adobo sauce by combining vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, bay leaves, and whole peppercorns in a pot. You can adjust the measurements of these ingredients according to your taste preferences. The mixture is brought to a boil and then simmered for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
After the adobo sauce has simmered, the peeled balut eggs are added to the pot. The eggs are gently stirred into the sauce, ensuring that they are coated evenly. The pot is covered, and the Adobong Balut is simmered over low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the eggs.
Once the Adobong Balut is cooked, it can be served as a main dish or as pulutan (appetizer) with rice or as a beer match. The tender and flavorful balut eggs are complemented by the tangy and savory adobo sauce, creating a unique and delicious combination of flavors.
Sizzling Balut
Photo by: Bitesized.ph
Sizzling Balut is a variation of the traditional Filipino dish called Balut, which is a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo inside. Sizzling Balut is prepared by taking the cooked Balut eggs and then sautéing them on a sizzling plate with a flavorful mixture of sauces, vegetables, and spices.
To make Sizzling Balut, you first need to boil the Balut eggs until they are fully cooked. Once cooked, the eggs are cracked open and peeled, leaving the embryo intact. The peeled Balut eggs are set aside.
In a separate pan or skillet, you can prepare the sizzling sauce. The sauce typically consists of ingredients such as soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, chopped onions, and chili peppers for a spicy kick. You can adjust the proportions of these ingredients based on your taste preferences.
Once the sauce is prepared, heat a sizzling plate or a cast-iron skillet over high heat until it is smoking hot. Add some oil to the plate or skillet to prevent the Balut eggs from sticking. Place the peeled Balut eggs on the hot surface and pour the sizzling sauce over them.
Grilled Balut
Photo by: Spot.Ph
Let's explore a delectable dish inspired by our neighboring country, Vietnam. Say hello to "Trung vit lon nuong," a delightful street food sensation from Saigon. This culinary gem takes balut to new heights by grilling it in a cup, accompanied by a tantalizing blend of chili sauce, scallions, laksa leaf or Vietnamese cilantro, and a sprinkle of ground peanuts.
The vibrant presentation of this dish is sure to whet your appetite, making it a perfect introduction for those new to the world of balut. Interestingly, Vietnam boasts its own version of balut, with a slight twist.
While our balut is typically fertilized for 17-18 days, their variation requires 19-20 days, resulting in a more developed duck embryo. It's a fascinating trivia that adds to the richness of this culinary adventure.
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