## How to Tell the Difference Between Young and Old Balut Eggs
– **Observing the Shell**: When choosing balut eggs, the first step is to observe the shell. Young balut eggs typically have a bright, smooth shell without any cracks. Older balut eggs, on the other hand, tend to have a darker shell with a rougher surface and may exhibit cracks.
– **Examining the Egg Under Light**: Shining a light through the egg is a simple way to distinguish between young and old balut eggs. Using a flashlight, you can easily see the separate structures of the yolk and egg white in young eggs. In older eggs, the image appears blurry and indistinct due to the development of the embryo.
– **Gently Shaking the Egg**: By gently shaking the egg and holding it close to your ear, you can discern its age. Young balut eggs usually make little to no sound, while older eggs produce a more distinct sound due to the movement of the embryo inside.
– **Testing the Egg’s Buoyancy**: Another method is to submerge the eggs in water. Young balut eggs will sink to the bottom as the air pocket inside is still small. Older eggs, with a larger air pocket, will float.
The ideal balut eggs are those incubated for around 16 to 19 days. At this stage, the duckling is still young and not too old, the coconut pulp is small and soft, and there is an abundance of yolk.
## Balut Egg Storage
Balut eggs incubated for 16 to 19 days are ideal for cooking a variety of dishes. Depending on your preference, you can choose younger or slightly older eggs. For hatching, the eggs need to be left in the incubator for about 28 days.
To store balut eggs, keep them in a cool, ventilated place. At room temperature, the embryo will remain alive and continue to develop, preserving the egg’s freshness as if it were freshly removed from the incubator. However, do not keep them too long, as they will age. With this storage method, consume the eggs within 1-5 days.
For cooked balut eggs, you can store them in the refrigerator, keeping the shell intact. It is best to consume cooked balut eggs as soon as possible.