'Virgin boy eggs' popular in E. China city
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail Shanghai Daily, April 1, 2012
 |
|
Basins and buckets of boys' urine are collected from primary school toilets. |
Ge said he has been making the snack, popular due to its fresh and salty taste, for more than 20 years. Each egg goes for 1.50 yuan (24 US cents), a little more than twice the price of the regular eggs he also sells.
Many Dongyang residents, young and old, said they believed in the tradition passed on by their ancestors that the eggs decrease body heat, promote blood circulation and reinvigorate the body.
"By eating these eggs, we will not have any pain in our waists, legs and joints. Also, you will have more energy when you work," said Li Yangzhen, 59, who bought 20 eggs from Ge.
The eggs are not only bought from street stalls. Residents also personally collect boys' urine from nearby schools to cook the delicacy at home.
The popularity of the treat has led the local government to list the "virgin boy eggs" as an intangible cultural heritage.
But not everyone is a fan. Chinese medical experts give mixed reviews about the health benefits of the practice, with some warning about sanitary issues surrounding the use of urine to cook the eggs.
Some Dongyang residents also say they hate the eggs.
"We have this tradition in Dongyang that these eggs are good for our health and that it would help prevent things like getting a cold," said Wang Junxing, 38. "I don't believe in all this, so I do not eat them."
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)