Balut

In this book Margaret Magat explores both the traditional and popular culture contexts of eating balut. Balut-fertilized duck or chicken eggs that have developed into fully formed embryos with feathers and beaks-is a delicacy which elicits passionate responses. Hailed as an aphrodisiac in Filipino culture balut is often seen and used as an object of revulsion in Western popular culture.<br/> <br/> Drawing on interviews participant observation reality television programs travel shows food blogs and balut-eating contests Magat examines balut production and consumption its role in drinking rituals sex and also the vampire-like legends behind it. <i>Balut</i> reveals how traditional foods are used in the performance of identity and ethnicity inspiring a virtual online cottage industry via social media. It also looks at the impact globalization and migration are having on cultural practices and food consumption across the world.<br/> <br/> The first academic book on balut this is essential reading for anyone in food studies folklore studies anthropology and Asian American studies.