Bird Nest Soup Mafia – China & Thai Connection | Speak Up For The Voiceless - International Animal Rescue Foundation - Environmental News and Media Bird Nest Soup Mafia – China & Thai Connection The history of Chinese cuisine is marked by both variety and change. The archaeologist and scholar K.C. Chang says “Chinese people are especially preoccupied with food” and “food is at the centre of, or at least it accompanies or symbolizes, many social interactions.” Over the course of history, he says, “continuity vastly outweighs change.” He explains basic organizing principles which go back to earliest times and give a continuity to the food tradition, principally that a normal meal is made up of fan (grains and other starches) and cai (vegetable or meat dishes). History; Is Chinese cuisine culture going too far though? That is the moral question I asked myself some eight years back when visiting China and their lavish cultural food stalls and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) markets. This week we look into China’s most lavish and expensive dish commonly referred to as yàn wō (燕窝), which translates literally as “swifflet nest” or (swallow nest).

Yan wo is not only killing our swallows off it also accounts to numerous deaths per year of those whom dare risk their lives just to harvest a nest deep within caves, money is big business within China and these nests don’t come cheap neither. The most famous use of edible birds nest is bird’s nest soup, a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. When dissolved in water, the birds’ nests have a gelatinous texture used for soup or sweet tong sui . It is mostly referred to as “yan wo” unless references are made to the salty or sweet soup in Chinese cuisine. In addition to its use in soup, edible birds nest can be used as an ingredient in many other dishes, it can be cooked with rice to produce bird’s nest congee or bird’s nest boiled rice, or it can be added to egg tarts and other desserts. A bird’s nest jelly can be made by placing the bird’s nest in a ceramic container with minimal water and sugar (or salt) and double steamed. Ready to eat bird’s nest jelly is available in jars as a commercial product.

Harvesting the birds nest is no easy task too, attached or glued high up in caves Asian collectors go to great lengths to harvest these nests regardless of whether the nests have new young within them or if the mother swift is about to lay her eggs. The nests themselves are tiny translucent cups about the size of a small egg. They are made by the male swiftlet from glutinous threads of its own saliva, which it weaves into a cup that dries to become thin and translucent like fine porcelain. Chinese parents feed bird’s nest soup, cooked with chicken broth or coconut milk, to their children in the belief that it will improve their complexions, promote growth and generally act as a tonic. Recent research has indeed shown that the nests, which taste rather like noodles, contain a water-soluble glycoprotein that may promote cell division in the immune system. However there are no real scientific studies that actually pin points any form of “medicinal properties” within birds nest that actually increase human health although this is being debated heavily at the moment.

Nest collecting is skilled and dangerous work, high up on the ceilings of the caves the intrepid collector shins barefoot up rickety trellises of bamboo scaffolding, ropes and bridges, tapping as he goes (see pic below – shadow hunters ) to make sure the bamboo is sound. He lights his way in the black caves with a torch of bark soaked in resin held between his teeth and uses a special three-pronged tool called a rada to harvest the nests. To use bare hands to pick a nest displeases and angers the gods. (If interested please do purchase the book shadow hunters of which is a really inspiring good read – click on the link shadow hunters above). If a nest is too old it cannot be made into top quality soup, but can be made into second rate soup. A nest needs to be made from fresh saliva, with no feathers or dirt. A fresh nest is white, an old one is black. A bird’s nest is made of nothing but saliva : no twigs, nothing else. It is made in a similar way to fibreglass, with the bird laying lots of threads on top of each other.

A sustainable supply of birds’ nests is ensured and the survival of the species is allegedly protected because nests are collected only when empty. The most productive island for nests is Koh Petra , from which over 100 kg of nests are collected 3 times in a good year. Koh Lao Liang supplies about 30 kg of nests 3 times a year. After the chicks have flown away the mother will eat the nest in order to replenish her energy supply. The collectors, of whom there are 60 in the Koh Petra Marine Park, must find the nest before the mother eats it. Threats; International Animal Rescue Foundation Asia argue this alleged sustainable use as evidence has pinpointed the collection of bird nests within China and Thailand is actually placing both Aerodramus fuciphagus and Aerodramus maximus (White Nest and Black Nest Swiflet) in danger. I must also point out that there is also a significantly high risk of contracting Avian Influenza (CDC) from the illegal importation of bird nest soup and it’s selling on the streets and in high classed restaurants throughout Asia.

Nothing that a Chinese host can put on a table has more cachet than a bowl of viscous bird’s nest soup. For centuries, it has been a delicacy throughout the Chinese world, a dish famed for its ability to keep people young and healthy. But bird nests are becoming increasingly scarce. While the shortage is not yet a crisis, Chinese connoisseurs are obliged to pay more each time they bargain for nests – up to $1,000 a pound for top-quality nests. ”The price will definitely continue to increase,” Stephen Tam, owner of the Cheong Loong Swallow’s Nest store , said as he sorted the dozens of varieties of nests in his small shop here. ”Most places the birds live have been developed into farmland or towns, and that reduces the number of birds that are left.” In addition to the encroachment of humans on the birds’ habitat, pollution is eroding some of the cliffs where they live and build their nests.

Meanwhile, rising prices are leading the ”harvesters” of nests to become more aggressive, sometimes snatching nests as soon as they are built, or grabbing nests that have eggs in them which is quite the opposite to what has been alleged by few American supporters of this trade that stated; “A nest needs to be made from fresh saliva, with no feathers or dirt. A fresh nest is white, an old one is black. A bird’s nest is made of nothing but saliva: no twigs, nothing else. It is made in a similar way to fibreglass, with the bird laying lots of threads on top of each other”… The nests used to make the soup belong to a kind of swallow, which builds on rocky cliffs or inside caves in several countries in Southeast Asia. Most of the nests today come from Indonesia , Thailand , Malaysia , Vietnam or China . The nests are not, as most Americans assume, a thatch of twigs and grass such as a robin might manufacture. Rather, they are made of the birds’ saliva, which hardens into cement-like threads.

When collected, the nests contain liberal amounts of feathers and even droppings, but are carefully washed and cleaned until they are white strips that look more like sponges than nests. While swallow saliva soup may not send tingles across a Western palate, the Chinese rave over it. It is usually cooked with crab meat , shrimp or ham to make a gelatinous soup that is renowned principally for its healthfulness. ”The taste of the nests is nothing great,” said Fok Kam Tong, head chef at the Man Wah Restaurant in Hong Kong’s Mandarin Hotel, where a bowl of bird’s nest soup ranges in price from $14 to $38. That is why crab and other embellishments are added, he said. But bird’s nest soup has virtues other than mere taste. ”It’s very good for you, very nourishing,” Mr. Fok added. ”It’s good for women, for their skin, so they don’t look old. But it’s not just for women; it’s good for everybody.” Mr. Fok disputes the pessimists who say that bird’s nest soup could eventually disappear.

While scarcity of the proper nests is a concern, he and many Chinese food experts say, the resulting price increase would make it even more prized as a delicacy. ”If it becomes more expensive, it will be even more popular in Hong Kong,” said Sunny Lan Kun Ying, a salesman at Yuen Wo Bird’s Nest store near Hong Kong’s business district. Not according to the owners of the small Hong Kong shops that sell bird nests, who say most people are being priced out of the market. The cost of bird’s nests has more than doubled in the last few years, they say, making it more difficult to afford a nest for a daughter with a skin blemish or a son who is about to take an important examination. Some kinds of nests are becoming particularly rare, such as the red ones called ” blood nests .” These have a reddish tinge that chefs say derives from blood in the birds’ saliva. It is even better for one’s health than regular bird nests, they say.

So, while regular bird nests sell for about $500 for a catty – a Chinese unit of weight amounting to just over a pound – the best-quality blood nests sell for nearly $1,300 a catty at the most exclusive shop. Meanwhile, the swallows are seeking more and more remote locations to build their nests in places where humans will not intrude. They must avoid not only youths who scamper along the cliffs or climb bamboo scaffolding to cave ceilings, but also monkeys that have been trained to climb the rock walls and retrieve nests. However as the nest price increases so does the demand and the more demand increases the greater threat of looming extinction arises with regards to these birds. ”The swallows are very careful,” said Mr. Fok, the chef. ”They will never build a nest where it is easy to get to, hence why there are so many human fatalities at every year”. Picture by Eric-Valli – depicting a cave in which bird nest hunters climb to obtain this very expensive delicacy. Please click on the picture above to view more of Eric Valli’s work – Shadow Hunters . Bird Nest Soup – Pushing species into decline; Threatened status is only a step away.

Identified by Thunberg, 1812 the Aerodramus fuciphagus commonly known as the Edible-nest Swiftlet is currently listed as (least concern) however does not mean for one minute that their moving to endangered level. Population size is now on the decrease with regards to both species and to date there has been no collated date to prove populations are increasing since last surveyed back in 2012. Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern. Back in 1878 Collocalia maxima known to as (Aerodramus maximus) was identified by Hume.

Again as with Aerodramus fuciphagus this species is also on the decline of which is listed as least concern. Least concern may not seem significantly worrying, however its one step away from (near threatened) so as long as bird nest harvesting continues and prices increase nests and their young will be placed in furthermore danger. Black nest swiflet – Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern. Medicinal properties; Please note before reading on – there has been no real scientific studies that have ever proven bird nest soup can cure; Cancer, HIV , AIDS , Pancreatic Cancer , Avian Flu , Human Influenza , Diabetes , or improve human complexion .

All studies that I myself a veterinarian and environmentalist have researched indicated that research around bird nest soup still remains to this very day “mysterious”. On my travel to China of which I was investigating the wildlife parts trade me and my colleagues uncovered quite a significant find. Many animal parts that were being sold under the guise of “healing foods and traditional medicine” had been soaked in synthetic pharmaceutical medicines. Read more here – This find not a rare find but an important one informs us that demand will continue to rise due to this practice. People buying animal parts such as Rhino horn powder , Tiger bone wine even sea horses are being fooled into believing that the animal parts they are digesting are “naturally” healing them. However in reality the only properties that are healing, reducing pain, inflammation or influenza are animal parts laced with antibiotics, NSAIDS, and neurological antidepressants and sexual performance prescription medications. Whilst this practice continues and in the eyes of the law demand will continue of which individuals that buy into this trade actually believe animal parts are curing them. The fault lays not with the peddlers as such but more the manufactures of pharmaceuticals that must take responsibility.

Picture above – Indonesia, Java hundreds of thousands of bird nests are allegedly harvested then replaced with a synthetic nest that the harvester quoted “sustains the species”. In some documents provided by the distribution of bird nest, the nest is said to have many nutritional rare, typically some kind of protein and amino acid amide, humin, arginine, cystine, histidine, and lysine. In addition, oats also contain minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. Effects of oats, some documents that oats aid in the lungs, strengthen the body, boost the immune system, accelerate cell regeneration, help with rapid recovery, and even support disease against HIV AIDS. (There is NO scientific data that proves bird nest soup has ever had any impact on individual suffering from human immunodeficiency virus and (acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Science cannot yet explain the healing powers attributed to the soup, they conclude. Birds’ nests “bioactivities and medicinal value are still open to question as there (is) not much scientific research on the medicinal properties,” Fucui Ma and Daicheng Liu of Shandong Normal University in China wrote in a review article published October 2011 issue of the Journal Food Research International.

Swiftlets live in limestone caves around the Indian Ocean, in South and South East Asia, North Australia and the Pacific Islands. Males primarily build the nests, attaching them to the vertical walls of the caves. Removing them can be dangerous and painstaking work, and, depending on the type of nest, it can take one person eight hours to clean 10 nests, the researchers write. For possibly 1,200 years, the Chinese have prepared and eaten the nests as a soup. The nests are considered to have a high nutritional and medicinal value, believed to have everything from anti-aging and anti-cancer properties to the ability to improve concentration and raise libido. Protein is the most abundant constituent of the nests, which contain all of the essential amino acids, the building blocks out of which proteins are made. They also contain six hormones, including testosterone and estradiol , the researchers write. The nests also contain carbohydrates, ash and a small quantity of lipids (naturally occurring molecules that include fats). Previous research has indicated that the nests contain substances that can stimulate cell division and growth, enhance tissue growth and regeneration, and that it can inhibit influenza infections. But not everyone reacts well to them.

Birds’ nests are known to cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Little research has been carried out on their biological function so far, and more is needed to better understand the qualities attributed to them, they conclude. China and Thailand – Bird Nest Connection; About a half-dozen companies, which have been granted concessions by local governments to gather swiftlet nests for the lucrative bird’s nest soup market, are protecting their fiefdoms with private armies that shoot at “unauthorized” visitors. They also bribe authorities to look the other way, charge tourist operators protection money and keep locals suspected of being poachers from their traditional fishing grounds on the coast of the scenic Andaman Sea. These concessionaires are so secretive about their operations on about 140 cave-ridden limestone islands that few Thai officials have any idea what they are up to or are willing to provide much information. “The bird’s nest companies are big and influential,” said a bureaucrat from the tax revenue department in Bangkok who spoke off the record.

“We can’t give out information (about their activities) to just anyone.” But it is no secret that swiftlet colonies are being depleted to supply Chinese restaurants with edible nests from glutinous globs of dried bird saliva that are cooked in a broth. The soup is popular because it is believed to help growth, skin complexion and sex drive, prevent lung disease and stave off aging. (As explained there is NO evidence to back these claims up that bird nest soup has medical properties or is advantageous to humans). When a swiftlet’s cup-shaped nest is taken before it can lay eggs, the bird is forced to build another one. In the caves, collectors shimmy up bamboo poles lashed together with liana vines. Death and injury from falls are not uncommon. Picture above – Black Nest Swiflet The climbers typically take two nests from each bird, allowing the bird to rear its young in a third so the population can regenerate. But high demand has increasingly caused gatherers to take that nest as well, and baby birds are thrown away. A local source familiar with the bird’s nest industry said there are only one-third as many nests as there were a decade ago, and the swiftlets have abandoned many caves.

“When the resources are of such high value, the temptation is to take as much as you can get hold of,” said Charli Evans, representative in Thailand for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) , an international group that monitors commerce in endangered species. Many people interviewed for this story were afraid to speak on the record. A resident of the town of Puhuket who has spoken out against a nest company’s violent tactics has moved his residence four times because of death threats. “It is a dark business,” he said. The Chinese began eating bird’s nest soup about 1,500 years ago. Today, millions of nests are sent to Chinese communities around the world. Hong Kong is the world’s largest market, followed by the United States , mainland China and Taiwan. International Animal Rescue Foundation Asia / America will begin lobbying for birds nest soup to be abolished from the United States menu of Asian cuisines based on evidence of now depleting swiflet populations.

We are supportive of a “sustainable trade” that will not harm the birds, or see populations depleted however based on our own investigations and that of third parties “sustainable trade” is just not working nor is governmental quotas that are in place to protect the birds from being pushed into near extinction. Some call it “ white gold ,” because a kilo (2.2 pounds) sells for almost $2,000. A bowl of bird’s nest soup at a good Hong Kong restaurant can go for as much as $60. Thailand exports about 19,800 pounds annually, which generates $23.8 million in taxes. A push by CITES to protect swiftlets has failed, mostly because of opposition by Southeast Asian countries where so much money is at stake. In Thailand’s southern Trang province, a company called Satun Trang Bird’s Nest recently obtained a five-year concession on swiftlet nests. Fishermen on Muk say company speedboats have chased them away and armed men have shot at them if they sailed too close to company operations.

In the early 1990s, clashes between licensed collectors and locals who poached on nest concession areas resulted in the deaths of 29 villagers in a nearby area called Pattalung. “I was standing at the head of my boat looking for schools of fish,” said San Khang-Nam, who, along with his son and nephew, was recently wounded by guards shooting at them when their boat approached company operations. “I didn’t have any idea what had happened (until) I felt the heat of the blood running down my leg.” Daraeb Meun-Phakdee, an elderly resident who has fished on Muk since childhood, says the island has become too dangerous. “I can’t even feed my family anymore,” he said. Picture above – White Nest Swiflet Area fishermen have filed police reports after each attack, but their complaints typically have been ignored. Fear of trigger-happy security guards is so great that a Muk fisherman recently sailed into a typhoon rather than risk waiting out the storm near a concession area. His boat sank, and he drowned. His daughter clung to a piece of Styrofoam and managed to drag her father’s body ashore.

Apichit Angsutrangkul, who runs Satun Trang Bird’s Nest, did not return calls seeking comment. Until 1997, the bird’s nest industry was governed by a 61-year-old law. Then new legislation decentralized control, giving local governments the power to grant five-year concessions to the highest bidder in exchange for tax payments of $252 per kilo collected. This new system is riddled with corruption, most observers agree. The companies avoid paying higher taxes by reporting fewer kilos. “If they get 600 kilos, they report 200. I should know. I used to count them,” said a former manager of Satun Trang Bird’s Nest, who asked to remain anonymous. A committee headed by the local governor is supposed to oversee the tax collection. “There are no real checks,” said Issama-el Bensaard, a committee member and industry critic. “The checks take place in hotel restaurants over red wine and meals hosted by Satun Trang Bird’s Nest. They even serve us bird’s nest.” Ironically, many islands are part of national parks and should be protected by the Royal Forestry Department. Yet concessionaires often have refused access to forestry officials.

“We are not getting the full cooperation of the companies,” said Schwann Tunhikorn, director of the Royal Forestry Department’s Wildlife Conservation Department. Picture above – Peddler states “One of the best quality EBN produce and process in Malaysia. I was told this grade can fetch a very high price up to RM30,000 per kg in China retail market” But Somsak Kittidhrakul, president of P.P. Cabana , owner of the nation’s largest bird’s nest concession of almost 100 islands, says he is taking the necessary precautions to preserve the swiftlet. “To conserve the bird population is the first tenet of our business,” he said. “We wouldn’t kill our own livelihood now, would we?” On the island of Java, Indonesia we recently located a supplier online that uses old houses for swallows to inhabit. Mr Tasik states “this is a prudent way to obtain kite nests from undisturbed habitat by providing an empty house to where they make nests. WHAT Mr Tasik fails to realize is that he is still disturbing the nests of which all birds are very sensitive to human interference.

Pictured above is Mr Tasik of which sells these nests for US$1350 / kg. Mr Tasik also offers free delivery. No matter how well-meaning, human interference can reduce a young bird’s chances of survival. Handling can cause extreme stress and being fed an inappropriate diet can cause development problems. Unless a baby bird is clearly a nestling, or is a fledgling that is injured or in immediate danger it is best to leave them alone. Under no circumstances should bird nests be interfered with as this can cause mother and father to bolt leaving fledglings abounded that will unfortunately perish. Concluding; The bird nest soup industry is a multi-million dollar industry that makes a staggering $29 million every year. Birds nest soup can sell for as little as $40 a bowl to $2,000 a bowl. Evidence has clearly indicated that both species of swallow are currently on the decline which poses concerns with regards to other species.

SHOULD the trade not be banned or severely restricted, for instance banning trade in the United States and restricting concessions then we will most certainly see both species of Aerodramus fuciphagus and Aerodramus maximus (White Nest and Black Nest Swiflet) plummet to very worrying levels that could in the next ten to fifteen years see the species pushed furthermore into the realms of endangerment. We must act now and not in the next ten years when we realize the problem is out of control. International Animal Rescue Foundation Asia is supportive of a regulated sustainable trade if it works, meaning that areas of habitat are located, built on, and the Asiatic swallow nests are harvested without the need to interfere with the breeding nest, or damaging the current cycle of living. However based on evidence gathered over the past two years it is clearly evident that this sustainable trade is not going to work. Buyers of birds nest soup want the real deal. They wish to pay for a nest that comes from the wild. Evidence has also shown that birds nests are not being harvested as they should or under laws implemented by the Asian governments.

So therefore whilst both a sustainable trade is not working, and both species of Asiatic swallow are now decreasing rapidly we have to as a professional animal and environmental organisation, take action before it is to late. Ignoring this matter will just see extinctions occur before our eyes. Should extinction occur will other species of birds be placed in danger furthermore? We already know from investigating the Rhino horn trade in China and Vietnam that “other ungulate horned” species are being sold as a fake Rhino horn medicine. Asian peddlers will be out of pocket by some thousands should extinction occur. Based on our own surveillance and investigations of the illegal and legal wildlife trade we have STRONG reason to believe that should extinctions occur of both Aerodramus fuciphagus and Aerodramus maximus (White Nest and Black Nest Swiflet) then other species of bird nest will be poached, hunted or harvested thus supplying a constant income for peddlers and dealers. A very worrying trend is emerging within the Asian wildlife trade market, something we knew would happen. One has to look at it like this.

If for instance you was making quite a large income from selling high value wildlife parts that then went extinct, what would YOU do to keep your income flowing in knowing you have been living a lavish lifestyle. Humans are greedy, when quick money can be made and is supporting other trades and living its clearly evident that selfish humans will go to any extremes to continue their lavish lifestyle regardless of whether it kills the entire planet. Thank you for reading; Edible Bird’s Nests : Delicacies with Multiple Health Benefits -Impressive Magazine Edible Bird’s Nests : Delicacies with Multiple Health Benefits 0 Flares 0 Flares × Photo by stu_spivack is under license CC BY SA 2.0 Selling for as much as $2,500 per kg, edible bird’s nests are among the most expensive foods on the planet. Edible bird’s nest soup is been a prized delicacy in China for 1,200 years. Once reserved for Chinese emperors and empresses the nests are now popular among the nouveau riche. Because are very expensive bird’s nests are usually prepared on special occasions.

The nests are made from the saliva of cave-dwelling birds called swiftlet and, according to traditional Chinese medicine, are considered to have a high nutritional and medicinal value. The most abundant constituent of the nests is protein, which contain all of the essential amino acids. The health benefits attributed to the consumption of the edible bird’s nests (especially when prepared as soup) are many and various: from anti-aging and anti-cancer properties, strengthening the immune system, to raising libido. However, science cannot yet explain the healing powers attributed to the soup. Swiftlets can be found around the Indian Ocean, in South East Asia, North Australia and the Pacific Islands. Because they live in limestone caves, their nests are very dangerous to harvest. However, for many villages that are close to the birds’ living area, the edible nests are the biggest cash crop. Indonesia is the world’s largest producer, followed by Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Edible bird’s nests preparation requires a very laborious work. In the video below you can see the entire process of preparing an edible bird’s nest soup. Only the cook time is 3 hours. Soup is the most common way to prepare edible nests, but it can be used as an ingredient in many other dishes.

It can be cooked with rice to produce bird’s nest boiled rice or bird’s nest congee. It can be added to various desserts or commercialized as ready to eat jelly. Would you eat this delicacy knowing that as consequence birds remain without their homes? Edible Bird's Nest A dish fit for kings and queens! #royalty It did not earn its name as 'the Caviar of the East' for no reason. 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. This centuries-old delicacy remains one royal dish for monarchs, leaders, celebrities and millionaire, with red bird’s nest pulling in US$10,000 a kilogram. SHOW MORE An elixir of China's legendary beauty, Yang Guifei (719-756) #timeless While Cleopatra had her milk baths, Yang Guifei had her bird's nest. Yang Guifei, one of the “Four Great Beauties” in ancient China renowned for their exquisite beauty, consumed birds nest for health and beauty.

Since time immemorial, bird’s nest is reputed to maintain youthfulness and enhance the complexion. Now, modern studies have shown that bird’s nest is rich in epidermal growth factor (EGF), known as the “gene of beauty,” is the substance responsible for skin and tissue repair and help rejuvenates aging skin. SHOW MORE #byeflu Flu-fighting punch is among the health arsenals of edible bird’s nest. In TCM, 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 edible bird’s nest one superfood. A tonic drink for women during pregnancy and after giving birth #mom A toast to your speedy recovery! And let’s start with edible bird’s nest. As a tonic drink, it is best consumed before meals to allow the body to better absorb its nutrients. Aside from boosting immunity, bird’s nest enhances the rebirth of cells and tissue due to the presence of a polypeptide hormone – Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF). Not only good for the recovering mom, but also to the new-born baby, for a stronger immune system. More reasons to drink bird’s nest!

SHOW MORE The ultimate brain food #brainfood Food for thought: As children require more nutrition during their growing period, help strengthen their body and stimulate the growth of the brain with bird’s nest, which is loaded with proteins, amino acids and minerals that are essential for healthy development. And not just for the kids, bird's nest helps you stay mentally sharp! Not all swiftlets can make edible saliva nest #birdnest Out of more than 30 species of swiftlets, 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 edible bird’s nest. Too much to digest and remember? Just make a mental note that a swiftlet is a wonder bird that builds its own nest made of saliva, a feat that no other bird can do. SHOW MORE All nests have to be cleaned and brushed quickly, using a toothbrush and water #behindthescenes Edible 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.

Each strand of saliva from edible bird’s nest has to be cleaned manually, graded and separated according to their quality. But lo and behold, the weapon of choice for such laborious task: a handy toothbrush and water! SHOW MORE Red bird’s nest is the most nutritious, crunchier and packs more punch with health benefits. Of all the nests, red is the king. #rednest While bird’s nest comes in white, yellow/ gold and red colour, depending on the mineral constituents of the food that swiftlets eat, the red bird’s nest is definitely not from swiftlet’s blood. Red bird’s nest, considered as the most nutritious of all swiftlet nests, are naturally blood-red in colour and contain colour pigments from the iron oxide of cave walls. These nests are crunchier because they contain more minerals, and are recommended for pregnant women, anaemic people, and those who need replenishment after surgery. SHOW MORE A handful of chopped Coriander DIRECTIONS 1. Debone and skin the Black Chicken. 2. Mince the chicken meat and save the carcass. Braise the Black Chicken carcass with American Ginseng, Almonds, Red Dates and Wolfberries for five hours. 3.

Wrap the mixture of minced Black Chicken meat with Chestnuts, Parsley and a pinch of Salt in the Dumpling Skin. 4. After soaking the Bird’s Nest in mineral water for one hour, add it to the soup from earlier and simmer for 45 minutes 5. Add the wantons to the soup and serve. Bird's Nest with Red Bean Paste topped and Fresh Orange Peel Bird's Nest Yahoo!Finance Why We Must Eat Pure Edible Birds Nest ? Many people in this world need a good health and one way from there so many way to achieve it, is consuming edible birds nest. Edible bird nest (EBN) or Yanwo is a dried glutinous secretion from the salivary glands of several different swiftlet species. It is widely consumed as a health food due to it is high beneficial effects to human health and has been considered to be one of the most precious food items by the Chinese people for thousands of years The aim of this article was to give a better understanding about the nutritional properties of clean and unclean EBN collected from the swiftlet species Aerodramus fuciphagus at many locations : Indonesia Java, Sumatra, Borneo.

One of the major nutrient components in edible bird‟s nest (EBN) is protein. Protein is the most abundant constituent of the nests, which contain all of the essential amino acids, the building blocks out of which proteins are made. They also contain six hormones, including testosterone and estradiol, Proteins are constituents of cells and play a crucial role in most of the biological process, and its seems like bird nest have a lot of it. The nests also contain carbohydrates, ash and a small quantity of lipids (naturally occurring molecules that include fats). Previous research has indicated that the nests contain substances that can stimulate cell division and growth, enhance tissue growth and regeneration, and that it can inhibit influenza infections. With many of usefull of consuming bird nest to our body make us eat pure edible birds nest. Enjoy this article. Category: News The company of Cleaning and Delivering to Market Yanwo or Bird’s Nests The far east asia country like Hong Kong, China and Taiwan are the biggest importers of these birds nests. In Hong Kong a bowl of Bird’s nest Soup would cost $50 USD to $150 USD.

A kg of white nest could cost up to $2,000 USD, and a kg of “red blood” nest could cost up to $15,000 USD. The white nests are commonly treated with a red color, but methods have been developed to determine an adulterated or altered nest. The nests were formerly collected from caves, principally the huge limestone caves at Gomantong and Niah in Borneo. Now with the escalation in demand these sources have been supplanted since the late 1990s by purpose-built nesting houses, usually reinforced concrete structures either in the form of shop houses, theaters, and so on. These nesting houses are normally found in urban areas a joining the sea, since the birds have a propensity to flock in such places. This business has changed many cities in the Indonesian Province of North Sumatra as well as limited areas in Vietnam, Thailand and the Palawan area of the Philippines. Birds nests from the more progressive companies like Yen Viet Company in Vietnam which gathers birds nest from multiple sites in Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan and other provinces in Vietnam are collected in an ecologically sustainable way.

The birds are nurtured and the nests are never removed while the eggs or small birds are present. From Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and elsewhere the nests are mostly exported to Hong Kong, which has become the centrearound the globe trade, though most of the final buyers are from mainland China. In Indonesia, the importance of this trade has turn into very large. It has been projected that the products now account for 0.5% of the Indonesian GDP, similar to about a one fourth of the country’s fishing industry. Enjoy this article. Category: News Health Advantages When We Eat Bird Nests (Yan wo) The medicinal use of edible bird nest / Yan wo can be traced back to the 17th century but maybe even earlier. In Hong Kong as well as in Far east diaspora locations all over the world, chinese medicine is usually used to treat illnesses and increase health. It’s believed that Tradtional chinese medicine herbal treatments have wide-ranging effects for enhancing health, reducing risk of diseases and promoting life span. Being one of the TCMs, edible bird nest is believed to have health boosting effects for example anti-aging, growth promoting and immuno-enhancing properties.

However, unlike other traditional medicine materials edible bird’s nest is different from most of the TCMs. It is unique in that it is not only a medicine to make people healthy but also a pleasant food to be consumed and enjoyed. Traditionally, it is double boiled with rock sugar to make a delicacy known as “bird nest soup”. The gelatin drink that is served in small glass bottles also is highly processed with rock sugar and has a slightly sweet taste. Although the size of Collocalia bird is small, the market created by it is quite large and growing at double digit rates. Malaysia is the world’s third largest supplier of birds’ nests after Thailand and Indonesia, making contributions 10 percent of the 210 tonnes, worth up to $4 billion US dollars, consumed annually by top buyers in Taiwan and China. The scale and importance of this market is huge for all of these countries. As an example, today there are 40,000 swallow houses in Malaysia with some 10,000 people taking part in swallow farming activities.

Also according to the Malaysian Federation of Bird’s Nest Merchants Association Malaysia’s annual production of bird’s nests had reached 1 billion ringgit (290 million U.S. dollars) in value and was expected to hit 5 billion ringgit (1.47 billion U.S. dollars) in another five years. In Vietnam, many of the bird’s nest companies earn millions of US dollars in sales of their products which have a good reputation both domestically and internationally. For example, Yen Viet Trading and Service Limited Company which is based in Ninh Thuan but has a total of 18 locations through the country where they raise the birds and harvest the nests achieves sales of over US $5 million per year of which 30 percent are from exports. The reason why Hong Kong the leading consumer of birds nests? It could be because simply to the fact that Hong Kong people are increasingly concerned about their health and the status of TCM has risen after a series of government policies on TCM. Moreover, the dual nature of edible bird’s nest, which utilizes them both as medicine or food, may play a role as food in centrally linking cultural pastime in Hong Kong.

In the past, people could only buy dried edible bird’s nests and render them in a fairly time consuming process. This has changed and currently a large variety of edible bird nest related products have emerged in the market. These products are mostly ready to serve products. No cooking process is required. Amongst these new products, most of them are still in the traditional form as bird nest soup, such as instant bird nest in various concentrations. Some instant bird nest may also be supplemented with other Tradtional chinese medicine s. Other than the traditional form, there’s a trend of using edible bird nest extract as one of the chief substances of the products. These products focus mainly on the medicinal use of edible bird nest / Yan wo. However, some of them may exaggerate the evidence of therapeutic use of edible bird nest. For the limited supply and high price of edible yan wo, it is not uncommon to hear reports of fake edible bird nest in the market. The fake substitute frequently used is the edible plant-exude, gum karaya or sterculia. Not too long ago,you will discover stories of fake edible bird nest made from fishes’ skin, mushroom or algae in China.

Due to these stories, there are escalating concerns on authenticating the authenticity of edible bird nest. We hope this article can be a reference for you Category: News 6 Items to Know About Bird Nest Bird nest swiftlets are made from their saliva, edible Bird’s Nest (or Bird’s Nest) is one of the most widely used tonics in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Do you know these interesting facts and beliefs about Bird’s Nest. 1. Bird’s Nest is a superb supplement for growing children. Coming from a biological standpoint, Bird’s Nest contains amino acids, proteins and minerals which are important for healthy development. In TCM, regular usage of Bird’s Nest stops colds and flus. By increasing the function of the Lungs and Kidneys, Bird’s Nest helps increase the body’s disease fighting capability and increase effectiveness against external environmental factors. 2. Bird’s Nest is most beneficial consumed before eating anything. In TCM, Bird’s Nest is classified as a tonic. Ideally,it must be consumed before you eat to allow your body to better absorb its nutrients. 3. Colour of red Bird’s Nest doesn’t originate from the swiftlet’s blood.

Contrary to popular belief, the colour of red Bird’s Nest is caused by either oxidation or minerals absorbed from the environment. 4. Bird’s Nest is ordinarily used as a beauty food. Bird’s Nest is reputed to help keep youthfulness and boost the complexion. Current research has shown that Bird’s Nest is containing more epidermal growth factor(EGF). It is accountable for skin and tissue repair. 5. Bird’s Nest is shown to increase recovery. When Bird’s Nest is consumed in moderation, its unique predigested sort of proteins and nutrients is considered to help recovery from chronic illnesses. Especially, Bird’s Nest can help relieve respiratory ailments like asthma or chronic coughs. 6. Elderly people may also use Bird’s Nest to keep and enhance their health. Bird’s Nest is traditionally utilized to clear Phlegm, ease chronic dry coughsas well as lowering fatigue - common complaints when we grow older. Bird’s Nest also can be used to stimulate the appetite, improve digestion and stimulate bowel movement Note: Since Bird’s Nest might cause allergic reactions in some individuals, do exercise careful attention when eating Bird’s Nest the very first time.

Product Knowledge - Wealthinest Bird Nest 富益燕窝 Product Knowledge Differentiate real from fake Bird’s nest has been a savory Chinese cuisine since centuries. For than 400 years, bird’s nest has been utilized in many ways in Chinese way of cooking. But bird nest consumption in China actually dates back to the period of Tang Dynasty almost 1500 years ago. It is widely considered that the sea faring Chinese sailors had brought the bird’s nest from the southern countries and presented them to the Chinese emperor as an exotic and excellent delicacy. At that time, it was only the emperor’ family and the families of his court officials had the privilege to consume this dish. Only after the end of the emperor’s reign, the Chinese masses were allowed to partake this delicacy. During the reign of Ming Dynasty, bird’s nest was an essential item in the imperial menu. It is said many emperors used it as an anti aging food and beauty food. Since then, the demand and value of bird’s nest has been steadily escalating because of its superlative nourishing properties, health benefits and uniqueness. Now it is one of the most upscale animal products consumed by humans.

Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar and Hainan province of south China are the highest and best producers of bird’s nest. The White nest swiftlet, Edible nest swiftlet and black nest swiftlet are the most harvested and widely consumed varieties of edible bird’s nest. Bird’s nest is generally harvested in three phases. The first phase of bird’s nest harvesting is done during Indonesian spring season – November to January. This is the season of profusion and bounty and as such the swiftlet is strong enough to produce ample saliva. As such, the nests of this harvest are more pure and expand more after soaking. Also the nests are apparently larger in size and have thicker texture. The quality and quantity of the second and third phase of harvesting is not up to the standards of the first phase. Scarce food supply and antagonistic weather make the swiftlet weak which lead to falling off of feathers and slow saliva secretion in turn increasing the impurities. All these contribute to making the nest small and gain lesser expandability. Swiftlets are mainly of three varieties: golden swiftlet, grass swiftlet and feather swiftlet.

Golden swiftlet The nests made by golden swiftlet can be red, yellow, grey and white in color. The bloody red bird’s nest gets its color from the high iron and mineral content food eaten by the bird that turns red after oxidation because of humid surroundings. Grass swiftlets Grass swiftlets are both of the cave and house variety. They are mostly concentrated in the coastal areas. They build their nests with saliva and grass and so are called as such. Feather swiftlets Feather swiftlets are mostly cave swiftlets. They make their nests with saliva and feathers and though they might not look very pleasing, their quality is top class. Its color is mostly yellow or white. How they produce bird nest? The male swiftlets build their nests in the breeding season spanning 45 days. They create a shallow cup like structure which gets stuck to the cave wall. It is made by a type of saliva created by the swiftlet during their nest building. This saliva acts like a cement and are interweaved by the bird. It sticks with other elements like feather etc. to construct the nest. There are mainly two types of swallow bird’s habitat: cave nest and house nest.

Cave nest The oldest ways of harvesting bird’s nest were from caves and as such were called cave nest. The huge limestone caves of Gomantong and Niah situated in Borneo were the most famous locations. Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia are the most common countries for cave nest. Cave nest absorbs great amount of minerals from the cave rocks. It has more feathers, more expandability and has stronger tissue compared to house nest. Harvesters have to use specialized tools to bring them down. Also it can be steamed for a longer time than house nest and after stewing it gives a good mouth feel and fragrant smell. House nest With the increasing demand for more and more bird’s nest the suppliers have come up with other ways to keep up with the market. As such, custom built swiftlet houses of commonly fortified concrete buildings resembling Southeast Asian shop house style have succeeded their traditional sources since the late 1990s. Because most swiftlets tend to flock in forest or sea areas, these houses are usually constructed in the urban areas near sea or forest in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Java. These nests go through regular inspection and after completion are cut down for processing. House nests have good quality and give smooth mouth feel.

Few isolated feathers maybe found. It expands to almost 5-7 times its size. Usual stewing time is 30-45 minutes. White bird’s nest, red bird’s nest (bloody red bird’s nest), yellow bird’s nest (golden bird’s nest) are most common types of house nest. Manual cleaning by skilled workers is the best way to clean a bird’s nest. This makes bird’s nest cleaning an elaborate affair. Due to huge surge in demand for bird’s nest, many cunning and unscrupulous businessmen and companies have resorted to applying bleach and chemical agents for easy and quick cleaning and earn more profit. But in our facilities, the nests are cleaned in the most natural way possible. The nests are first collected by workers from caves or farmhouses and brought to our facility for processing. We give importance to cleanliness of laborers while doing so and our workers wear masks, gloves and specialized dresses before starting the process. Our employees are skilled and well trained in cleaning bird’s nest naturally and efficiently meet market demands. Our processing is done strictly according to the rules set by the Department of Standards Malaysia and we meet all the standards of international food certification and maintain perfect hygiene conditions.

We keep stringent supervision on the entire bird’s nest cleaning procedure. All the tools we use are of best quality and sterilized thoroughly. After the nests are brought to the facility, they are washed carefully using distilled water. Then our workers very precisely cut the corners of bird’s nests, then they are meticulously cleaned of various foreign bodies like feathers, grass etc. by hand. A small portion of such outside elements that still cling to the nests are picked delicately one by one with forceps. Such extreme measures help in ensuring the bird’s nest retains all the natural values while forgoing the impurities that were earlier entwined with it. No chemical, bleach or such harmful materials are used ever. After that we keep the bird’s nest in moulds especially designed for this purpose and allow it to freeze dry. Also they are dried by fan. After that each and every bird’s nest goes through severe and accurate selection, verification, quality controls, health and safety inspections. Then they are packaged and labeled into boxes and sent out for delivery. Our products are insect and fungus free. They do not have any additives or contaminants. Never at any point are chemicals, bleaching agents or any harmful substances used. The whole procedure is conducted under strict supervision.

We give you absolute guarantee of most pure and most nutritional bird’s nest in the market. Our various bird nest cleansing lab gives utmost priority to giving you nests with all their nutritional values intact. Our bird’s nests have excellent quality and most reasonable prices. With us you have the assurance that the nests are totally natural, have the actual shape and color and retain all its original properties. Our products are 100% pure and are totally free from additives, chemicals and foreign contaminants of any sort. Our high standards have made us a household name in the field of suppliers and exporters of edible bird nest Malaysia. Categorized by the finished product, bird’s nest can be of five types: Bird’s nest cake or ball: Nests that have been broken during harvesting are collected by workers and are made into balls or cakes of various sizes. Usually they are the nests of feather and grass swiftlets. They are comparatively cleaner and possess better expandability. Bird’s nest cup: They are bird’s nests in their original state and so their size may sometimes vary. Their expandability, smell and nutritional content are highest. They are also most clean.

The cup or boat shape is attained when the nests are built on bridging beam of farmhouse, if built on two adjacent walls, the shape will be triangular. Bird’s nest corner: It is the fringe of the nest where the saliva concentrates. It needs longer pre soaking time and they should be cut from their main body and torn to pieces before soaking. Bird’s nest threads: These are the threads that can be found in the inner body of the bird’s nests. Bird’s nest strips: They are mostly found in the nests of grass swiftlets. They are either broken nests or strips that are cut out from bird’s nest cups. Bird’s nest is one of the best beauty food and anti aging food. Shop with us and transform your health and life. The health benefits of bird’s nest are myriad and infants, children, teenagers, adults, old people all can benefit hugely from consuming bird’s nest. After continued research and consumption, the beneficial properties of bird’s nest have been upheld by various experts and scholars and documented in various Chinese medical books and journals since ancient times. Now more and more people are coming to know of the benefits of bird’s nest across the world.

The health benefits of bird’s nest are: Appropriate for all ages: Bird’s nest is a great healthy food for new born babies, kids, teenagers, adults and old people – male and female. It improves the immune system and boosts cell rebirth. Infants: Feeding stewed and dissolved bird’s nest to the baby with milk or rice porridge aids improve digestion, balance digestive system and build up appetite. Kids: Bird’s nest contains amino acids which help improve the immune system and aid in robust growth of body and brain. Regular consumption helps in making kids smarter and less susceptible to allergies. It also addresses the nutritional deficiency in children. Teenagers: Bird’s nest quickens the rate of metabolism, increase and improves bodily functions resulting in fair, blemish free and smooth skin in teenagers. It is therefore very effective as a beauty food. Working population: The nutrients in bird’s nest revitalizes the mind and body and is a great means to soothe pressure and assuage tiredness and keep you stay refreshed and relaxed. During and after pregnancy: If bird’s nest is taken during pregnancy, it boosts brain growth of fetus and after pregnancy it accelerates the course of getting old beauty and body shape back.

Aiding in health recovery after illness and people with breathing problems: The nutrients in bird’s nest help in quick recovery from injury, illness, boost immunity and assist in regaining lost stamina and vitality. It is also beneficial for asthma patients because bird’s nest aids in smooth breathing. People with heat troubles: Having bird’s nest helps direct the body heat to its right origin and moistens the lung. And therefore, it does not cause extra body heat and helps those having body heat problems. Lung related problems: It strengthens the lung-‘yin’ and relieves cough resulting from lung illness, soothe pathological change of emphysema and assist in curing problematic breathing, asthma, lingering cough, coughing out blood, evidence of blood in phlegm, disarranged body heat, excess sweat, bronchitis. It dampens and moistens the lung and kidney. Skin benefits: Bird’s nest is one of the most lavish anti aging food. It nurtures and nourishes the skin, aids to lessen wrinkles and make the skin softer, more supple and smooth. It also checks emergence of pimples significantly. Energizing the body: Bird’s nest is one of the most potent sources of vitality, strength and stamina.

It nourishes the ‘yin’ and supervises ‘qi’ to recover various deficiencies of human body resulting from weakness, fatigue after injury or illness, exhaustion of various organs, lack of energy, stamina and strength. It has mild and soothing nature and refreshes blood, contributes to increasing iron content of the body. Medical benefits: Bird’s nest as a healthy food has been eulogized by experts. It provides essential benefits in augmenting human health. It boosts the tolerance capacity of the body to the damage done by many radioactive treatments and x-rays and gives nourishment. It is an excellent food for promoting better heart functions and build a stronger heart. The varied amino acids contained in them are useful tools in helping to defeat stomach cancer, liver cancer, rectal cancer, faucial cancer, esophagus cancer and scale down the aftereffects of treatments like chemotherapy and electrotherapy. The nutritious elements present in them assist in cleaning and regenerating blood, energizing intestinal activities, improve spleen, enhance appetite and potency. Common stomach sickness, weak stomach, vomiting, noisy intestinal movement are healed by eating bird’s nest. Bird’s nest as a healthy food has become more and more prominent over the years.

Bird’s nest contains 60% water soluble proteins, various amino acids, 10% water content, cellulose, carbohydrates, tiny amount of fat and a range of minerals such as sulphide, iodine, phosphorous, potassium and calcium. As a healing and therapeutic food, bird’s nest has been in vogue since centuries. Its nutritive qualities find best use when partaken in an empty stomach. This helps the body to absorb the beneficial qualities of bird’s nest to the maximum. Among various ways to eat a bird’s nest it is mostly taken in form of soup. When dissolved in water it gives a gelatinous texture. Let us reveal the truth of the edible-birdnest goodness through a more scientific explanation. The average crude protein content in the edible-birdnest has been reported by Su et al. (1998) at 53.26%, Marcone (2005) at 62-63% and Kathan and Weeks (1969) at 32.3%. Proteins are needed to build and repair body tissues and for the metabolic functions of our bodies.

About 20% of the human body is made of protein (Parker, 2003). It plays various tasks in living systems, depending on the amino acid content, structure and association with atoms and other molecules of biological origin (Brocklebank, 1987). Proteins are classified as simple proteins and conjugated proteins. Simple proteins consist exclusively of polypeptide chains with no additional chemical components attached to it or required for biological activity. Conjugated proteins contain one or more non polypeptide constituents known as prosthetic group apart from the polypeptide components. One of the most common prosthetic groups is carbohydrates (glycoproteins). Differentiate the real bird’s nest can be tricky as many unscrupulous businessmen are marketing fakes for instant profit. Some aspects of real bird’s nest are: Real bird’s nest has slight yellowish appearance, radiant look and the natural aroma of bird’s nest. The surface should have quite irregular dense as well as thin fibers. The threads of the interior body have to have intertwining and loose pattern. Little feathers being found are normal. If there are absolutely no feathers, then chemical bleaches may have been applied. Real bird’s nest grows on soaking.

Up to 3-5 times enlargement is normal and may also reach 5-7 times. A quality bird’s nest has to have size 3 fingers wide and should be whole. The nests built on adjacent walls of bird nest house have triangular structure and those on beams have a cup like shape. Real bird’s nest has egg like smell which augments on soaking. Fake nests might have oily, algae or medicated smell as they are made from various undesirable elements. Scarce cracks between threads even in high quality bird’s nest are okay because all nests are taken to bird nest cleansing lab for impurities and feather removal process which leads to such cracks. But too much processing degrades the condition of the nest and increases weight further. Authentic bird’s nest is conveniently water soluble only after boiling but does not dissolve in soaking water before that. Real bird’s nest has a brittle and coarse surface. Few nests are stuck to hold the water content and allow dry look and bulky body. But if foreign elements are added, they get rubbery nature and cannot be broken easily. When soaked, the water becomes turbid and may contain air bubbles. The color of the nest in many cases varies according to the food eaten by the swiftlet.

Identifying fakes: You can try some techniques to see whether your bird’s nest is real or fake. Cut off a piece from corner after it has expanded on soaking. If it appears white then you can be sure that coloring agents have been applied which could not penetrate the corners. A true red or yellow bird nest will show lighter color intensity after soaking. In glued bird’s nest unethical businessmen use glue powder, gum, fish glue powder, starch, egg white, flour and such elements. Because of these foreign agents, nests become murky and little sticky. Also they make the inner body of bird’s nest compact and the surface appears glossy without any cracks. They cannot be easily broken. Sometimes algae is cut into thin threads, then bleached and mixed with bird’s nest threads or nest cakes which is not easily identifiable. Such nests are perfectly white, rough, rigid and hardly have any shine. It can be identified with its acidic smell which only increases on soaking. About Wealthinest Bringing you 100% natural and non-chemical bird nest. A-3-6, JALAN 2/142A MEGAN PHOENIX56000 KUALA LUMPUR

Question: The essential constituent of the Chinese culinary delicacy 'Bird's Nest Soup' is?
Answer: Saliva