Introduction to Bird's Nests

AN INTRODUCTION TO EDIBLE BIRD’S NESTS

The mystical and mythical facts about bird’s nests and their nutritional and medical powers have not only drawn the wildest assumptions from the westerners but also erroneous speculations from some Asians as well. According to most authors, bird’s nests were believed to be first introduced in the 16^th Century as a mean of medication in China affordable only by the Emperor and the rich then. But as bird’s nests have high nutritional values, it would be more correct to treat it as a health recipe rather than a medicine. More so, when bird’s nests will have to be mixed with other appropriate health food to remedy one’s ailment.

TYPES OF BIRD’S NESTS

There are basically 2 types of edible bird’s nests namely the house-nests and the cave-nests.

	WI - S (A) : Size bigger than 2 fingers
	WI - S (B) : Size smaller than 2 fingers

The house-nests come from swiftlets that nest and breed in specially prepared farmhouses. They are mostly white in colour and contain minimum amount of feathers. This type of nests is usually double-boiled (steamed) for less than one hour.

Cave's Nests

WHT - (A)

WHT - (B)

4AL (A) : Both sides long strands

4AL (B) : One side long strands

P4AR (A)

4AAW+(A)

Of the cave-nests, it is further categorized into 2 types – the one with fewer feathers called “Ba Si” bird’s nests and the one with more feathers called Black bird’s nests. The Black bird’s nests can come either in reddish, yellowish or whitish colour because of the difference in the types of swiftlet’s, the food they take and the cave’s environment. The Black bird’s nest is the main produces of Borneo and is made available in most local health cuisine. This type of bird’s nests is normally double-boiled (steamed) for more than 2 hours before consuming.

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