10 things you should know about Swallow Bird’s Nest

You may have heard about Swallow Bird’s Nest as an unusual delicacy, but have you tried it?

Here are 10 facts about Swallow Bird’s Nest you probably didn’t know.

1. Swallow Bird’s Nest, a delicacy like no other

A delicacy in the East, Swallow Bird’s Nest is the nutrient-rich salivary secretion of Swallow Bird’s Nest which has dried and hardened. It is the main ingredient of Swallow Bird’s Nest, a sought-after dish in the Asian region.

2. A dish fit for kings and queens!

It did not earn its name as 'the Caviar of the East' for no reason. Swallow Bird’s Nest was introduced to the courts of China's Emperor as a supreme delicacy due to the rich nutritional value; and only the family of the Emperor and his court officials had the first dibs.

10 things you should know about Swallow Bird’s Nest

3. An elixir of China's legendary beauty, Yang Guifei (719-756)

While Cleopatra had her milk baths, Yang Guifei had her Swallow Bird’s Nest. Yang Guifei, one of the “Four Great Beauties” in ancient China renowned for their exquisite beauty, consumed Swallow Bird’s Nest for health and beauty.

4. Natural immune booster

Flu-fighting punch is among the health arsenals of Swallow Bird’s Nest.
In TCM, Swallow Bird’s Nest helps the functions of the Lungs and Kidneys that keep the common cold at bay. Keeping the immune system on guard while increasing resistance to external environmental factors makes Swallow Bird’s Nest one superfood.

5. A tonic drink for women during pregnancy and after giving birth

A toast to your speedy recovery! And let’s start with Swallow Bird’s Nest. As a tonic drink, it is best consumed before meals to allow the body to better absorb its nutrients.

6. The ultimate brain food

Food for thought: As children require more nutrition during their growing period, help strengthen their body and stimulate the growth of the brain with Swallow Bird’s Nest, which is loaded with proteins, amino acids and minerals that are essential for healthy development.
And not just for the kids, Swallow Bird’s Nest helps you stay mentally sharp!

7. Not all Swallow Bird’s Nest can make edible saliva nest

Out of more than 30 species of Swallow Bird’s Nest, only 2 species of the genus Aerodramus and 1 of the genus Collocalia make edible saliva nest. Aerodramus fuciphaga is the swiftlet that produces the highest quality of Swallow Bird’s Nest.

8. All nests have to be cleaned and brushed quickly, using a toothbrush and water

Swallow Bird’s Nest certainly scores high when it comes to health benefits. But it takes time and effort to complete its process, from harvest to grading quality and cleaning, before reaching the market.

9. Red Swallow Bird’s Nest is the most nutritious, crunchier and packs more punch with health benefits.Of all the nests, red is the king.

While Swallow Bird’s Nest comes in white, yellow/ gold and red colour, depending on the mineral constituents of the food that Swallow Bird’s Nest eat, the red Swallow Bird’s Nest is definitely not from swiftlet’s blood.

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Bizarre Foods host, Andrew Zimmern, says, “The soup’s flavour depends largely on the geographic region of the nest. I love nests harvested near the ocean. They offer a sea-salty, briny flavour. Some chefs like to play up the salty flavour (and sometimes slimi- ness) of the soup.”