Getting to know Swallow Bird’s Nest

What is Swallow Bird’s Nest?

Swallow Bird’s Nest, or swiftlet nest, or simply “Swallow Bird’s Nest”, is an organic, animal product consumed by humans as a food item for health and as a delicacy. In China, it has been consumed for over 1,200 years.

Where do Swallow Bird’s Nest come from?

A bird commonly referred to as the swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus) is the only species of bird that constructs nests for its young by weaving together a series of glutinous strands from its saliva glands. This nest becomes the place for the eggs to be nurtured,and to hatch into young birds. Once the young birds learn to fly, the nest is abandoned, and afterwards left to decay or be consumed by other animals, if not harvested by humans.
A nest is typically 8-12gr in weight, is dry, and has the appearance of half a tea cup. After cooking and when ready for consumption, Swallow Bird’s Nest becomes soft and stringy, gelatin-like, clear in color, and has a unique aroma and taste.

Getting to know Swallow Bird’s Nest

Why do humans eat Swallow Bird’s Nest?

Swallow Bird’s Nest contains exceptional nutritional and healing qualities, ranging from anti-aging to anti-cancer to raising libido and overall immune-enhancing effects. Most easy to see, however, is its immediate ability to improve skin complexion and overall youthfulness, and as a result, is often sought-after by women wanting to stay young and beautiful.
Furthermore, it has a unique taste, aroma, and texture, which makes it one of the most expensive organic foods on earth. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it ranks in the top 8 most valuable, most health-beneficial foods for humans.

What is in Swallow Bird’s Nest?

Mineral salts, amino acids (aspartic acid, glutamic acid, praline, theoline, valine), carbohydrates (sialic acid), and glycoprotein. Glycoprotein is the most abundant constituent in Swallow Bird’s Nest. Other constittuents include glucosamine, which can help in the treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis.
Swallow Bird’s Nest also contains collagen, ash and a small quantity of lipids (naturally occurring molecules). Research has concluded that Swallow Bird’s Nest contains substances that can stimulate cell division and growth (EGF), enhance tissue growth and regeneration, and can inhibit influenza infections.

Cooking Tips And Nutrition Table

Since some of the nutrients in Swallow Bird’s Nests are water soluble and sensitive to extreme heat, it is necessary to observe some of the general guidelines below in order to obtain the maximum benefits derived from the consumption of the nests. As a rule, do not double cook the house nests for more than 60 minutes as this will result in the nest glyco-protein disintegrating into fluid media. Super and first grade-processed cave nests should only be cooked for 120 minutes in order to retain the flavor and taste. Never boil Swallow Bird’s Nest in heat higher than 100 Degrees Celsius, or it may cause damage to the protein stored inside the nest.

Who are the suppliers of Swallow Bird’s Nest in the world?

As this species of birds only inhabit coastal regions of S.E Asia, top producers and exporters include Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam.
A portion of natural Swallow Bird’s Nest comes from coastal caves, but a large percentage come from man-made birdhouses.
Seeking and identifying a good supplier is difficult, and verifying cave Swallow Bird’s Nest from house Swallow Bird’s Nest is even more difficult.
What is the difference between nests from caves and nests from birdhouses?
A general misconception is that birds at birdhouses are “farmed” – bred and fed. This is only true for a very small number of trial farms. The large majority, however, are simply structures that mimic the natural cave environment, creating a place where birds freely come and go at their own will, and to make nests and lay eggs.
The birds are generally the same, the nest-making process is the same, and the nutritional value in the nests is the same, except for a slight variation in mineral salts, which are more abundant in cave nests as a result of the surrounding environment.
Cave nests have more texture when consumed but are less soluble and harder to digest than house nests, as a result of higher mineral salts content.