Edible Bird’s Nest: The Caviar of the East

Edible Bird’s Nest are the salivary secretion of a bird species, known as the swallows, which have high concentration of their digested intakes. These birds have the special ability to make a nest using their saliva, from the vast supplies of marine life from the sea after digesting them. Lab analysis has found that Edible Bird’s Nest is very rich in protein, mineral and iron.

Edible Bird’s Nests are found at places where there are vast oceans and sea, with mountains and cliffs. These active birds will fly out in the day only to return at night. They are known for centuries to give those who consume Edible Bird’s Nests regularly miraculous well being health. Back in ancient China, due to their rarity, it was believed that they were only fit for the emperor’s consumption.
The effects of Edible Bird’s Nests on the human body cannot be explained nor analyzed through lab tests. The ability to regenerate new cells in the human body and to cleanse lungs and blood are simply amazing. People who consistently consume them retain youthful complexions, realizing the dreams of every human being. Many actresses and singers make it as one of their top dietary priorities in their quest for natural beauty.

Edible Bird’s Nest: The Caviar of the East

Introduction

South East Asia’s swiftlets (Collocalia species) is one of the most unique birds in the world. They have very short bills, wide mouth, small and weak feet, and long crescent shaped wings. They have a very strong ability of flight; in fact they are the fastest fliers known, averaging at 140 kph with a top speed of up to 170kph and capable of a 40-hour non-stop flight.
But the most interesting thing about these swiftlets is their nest. They will construct their nest with glutinous strands of starched like saliva produced by a pair of large, salivary glands under their tongue and thereafter mate and breed their young. It is this nest material that sets them apart from all other birds in the world.
The history of Edible Bird’s Nest consumption can be traced back to China nearly 1500 years ago during the Tang Dynasty period (A.D. 618-907). It was believed that Edible Bird’s Nest had been brought back from ‘Nanyang’ (the southern countries), by Chinese sailors and introduced to the courts of the China’s Emperor as a supreme delicacy (due to the rich nutritional value). During that era, only the family of the Emperor and his court officials has the privilege of consuming the highly priced Edible Bird’s Nest. It was at the end of the Emperor rule, that the common people were introduced to Edible Bird’s Nest and the value and demand for Edible Bird’s Nest remains sky high due to its rarity and nutritional properties.
Nowadays, the primary target for this product is the Chinese community around the world, with Hong Kong, Mainland China and Taiwan the top consumers followed by the U.S., Singapore and all the other South East Asian countries. Edible Bird’s Nest has been a prestigious and a status symbol kind of food for Chinese families for hundreds of years. It was considered the best food for the Imperial family in the past Chinese Dynasties. Today, Edible Bird’s Nest is still considered prestigious food by upper class Chinese families and appreciated for its health benefits, for example diners at a certain Hong Kong restaurant are willing to pay dearly for the highest quality nests — almost US $60.00 per bowl of Edible Bird’s Nest soup! Although there is stable demand from this consumer, the peak season of demand comes during the Chinese New Year period. Gift giving of Edible Bird’s Nest is especially popular during this period as it wishes the receiver good health and longevity of life as well as symbolizing the givers affluence. Edible Bird’s Nest Soup has been a part of Chinese culture for over 1,000 years. Increasing wealth in the Asian region along with the big increase in price of a bowl of Edible Bird’s Nest soup has made Swiftlet nests the ‘Caviar of the East.’ While it is possible to find substitutes to thicken soup, it will be difficult to take away the allure of Edible Bird’s Nest Soup as a status symbol.

Edible Bird’s Nest Nutritional Values

Chinese has been consuming Edible Bird’s Nest for hundreds of years and most of them believe that Edible Bird’s Nest consists of several proteins and minerals that help develop the generation and growth of human cells, rejuvenates the human skin and increases the immune system. Research has also found that Edible Bird’s Nest contains the epidermal growth factor. This helps explain why Chinese herbalists often prescribe Edible Bird’s Nest to people who fail to thrive or grow for no apparent reason.
Independent laboratory investigation has also revealed that Edible Bird’s Nest contains a water-soluble glyco-protein that promotes cell division within the immune system. These findings lend support to the belief that Edible Bird’s Nest promotes growth and tissue repair. Not only that, Edible Bird’s Nest strengthens the body’s self-regulating actions and provides resistance to disease. Because of its function, a symbol of wealth as well as the scarcity of the goods, it makes Edible Bird’s Nest a valuable commodity indeed. Although it has never been proven scientifically that Edible Bird’s Nest can do the above wonders but consumers of Edible Bird’s Nest soup swear by their efficacy in its many curing properties, namely healing illnesses connected to the respiratory system like cough, asthma or throat infection and thus its high demand.
Malaysian Edible Bird’s Nest is one of the finest qualities in the world. There are two kinds of places to develop the Edible Bird’s Nest. They are in caves and in old or abandoned or cultivated houses with three different types of nest such as Blood Nest, Orange/Yellow Nest and White Nest. Once the nests are removed from the caves or houses, they are washed and cleaned (processed) before being shipped to the shops for sale. From the caves or houses of Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, millions of nests are sent to Chinese communities around the world, with Hong Kong, Mainland China and Taiwan the top consumers.

Supply And Demand

The Edible Bird’s Nest industry is a multi-million-dollar enterprise, from production, sorting and cleaning to domestic and international trade. At present, there are approximately 1,000 buildings/houses cultivating Edible Bird’s Nest in Malaysia, producing less than 10 tons per year (cultivated white Edible Bird’s Nest) with the world’s demand of about 200 tons per year. Indonesia with about 10,000 bird houses of various sizes produces about 80-100 tons /year. The demand from world market is still growing, with supply only fulfilling half of demand, which affects its ever-increasing price.
The main areas of Edible Bird’s Nest cultivation in Malaysia is Sitiawan, Teluk Intan, Kota Bahru, Kuala Terengganu, Parit Buntar, Bukit Mertajam, Nibong Tebal, Kuantan, Muar, Segamat, Tangkak, Malacca, Tanjung Karang, Sabak Bernam, Taiping and many other old townships. Edible Bird’s Nest Cultivation originally started in Indonesia where they have been doing it for the past 30 years (it has been documented that Edible Bird’s Nest breeding existed even during the Dutch colonization period). Malaysia had a couple of operators albeit on a low-key basis since the eighties. It only started mushrooming after Indonesia’s race riot in 1997, after which many indigenous Chinese relocated or invested and transferred their technology know how to the local community in Malaysia.
Beneficial Effects of Edible Bird’s Nest
In the article “Yan Wo Kao” in Monthly Mingpao Prof. Y. C. Kong and Prof. P. S. Kwan (1985) mentioned that in China the consumption of the Edible Bird’s Nest was first documented in the ancient Chinese literature “Hai Yu” (The language of the sea) (Huang, 1536) in the Ming Dynasty. In “Min Zhong Hai Cuo Shu”. Tu (1596) stated that the Edible Bird’s Nest is the food of the rich. However, the medicinal value of the Edible Bird’s Nest was only confirmed by several scholars about hundred years later after a long history of consumption and testing and has been promoted to be a nourishing and replenishing medicine with specific therapeutic effects. The literature of “Ben Cao Bei Yao” (The essential notes of materia medica) (Wang, 1694) and “Ben Cao Feng Yuan” (The medicinal herbs in the wild) (Zhang, 1695) of the Qing dynasty show evidence that the ancient Chinese had the belief that the Edible Bird’s Nests did have some therapeutic effects and were used to cure disease. In the years 1757 to 1871, many scholars and experts had discussed in their literatures in details the transformation of the Edible Bird’s Nest from an expensive food to a precious medicine. They include the scripts “Ben Cao Cong Xin” (New Compendium of materia medica), “Ben Cao Qiu Zhen” (New compilation of materia medica) and “Ben Cao Gang Mu Shi Yi’ (A supplement to the Compendium of materia medica). Prof. Kong further indicated that, according to Chinese literature, the Edible Bird’s Nest does have obvious healing effects to post-stage tuberculosis, gastric ulcers and bleeding of the lung. Beside, it can promote growth.
In recent years Prof. Y. C. Kong has been conducting detailed investigations on Edible Bird’s Nests. Based on repeatable results of in vitro exposure experiments he has discovered that the Edible Bird’s Nest contain a “cell division inducing hormone” and an “epithelial growth factor” that can stimulate the growth and division of cells, thereby enhancing tissue growth, cellular regeneration and cell-mediated immunity in humans. The investigations have provided good scientific evidence that supports the notion that the Edible Bird’s Nest can facilitate growth, replenish strength and vital energy, accelerate the recovery from disease and reinforce immunity.
The specific animal proteins in an Edible Bird’s Nest stimulates the regeneration of cells
This is the main reason why the proteins of other precious medicinal foods like the sea cucumber, abalone, scallop, and egg cannot be compared to those contained in the Edible Bird’s Nest.
The Edible Bird’s Nest help regulate the function of the endocrine system as well as other body functions. They strengthen the body, moisturize the skin, maintain beauty, provide energy and enhance the metabolism of fat. The Edible Bird’s Nests are adaptable for either sex or any age group.
The consumption of Edible Bird’s Nest during pregnancy can increase nutrition and improve the overall health of the mother and child and will give the infant a flexible mind. Woman consuming Edible Bird’s Nest after giving birth can recover more quickly and slim rapidly to help maintain their beauty.
The stomach and spleen of newborns function weakly. This can easily cause diarrhea and the loss of appetite. Feeding the newborns with Edible Bird’s Nest that has been dissolved in milk can improve these deficiencies. Babies that are 6 month old can be fed with rice porridge or congee containing Edible Bird’s Nest.
Children require more nutrition during their growing period. Being fed with Edible Bird’s Nests can help strengthen the body and stimulate the growth of the brain. Edible Bird’s Nest not only tastes good but when served with rock sugar, fresh milk or oatmeal aids digestion and constipation.
For youngsters, always consuming Edible Bird’s Nest can enhance metabolism, strengthen various body functions and reinforce immunity. Besides, it can also smooth the skin and maintain eternal beauty. People, who are highly stressed and are busy in study and work can alleviate tiredness, relieve spiritual pressure and recover body strength through always consuming Edible Bird’s Nest.
Edible Bird’s Nests are also beneficial to people who have just recovered from illness, who are old and weak, who suffer from asthma and who are always catching the cold or influenza. A regular diet of Edible Bird’s Nest can help alleviate the trachea, smooth breathing, benefit the control of asthma, expel phlegm, recover vital energy and extend longevity. It is particularly effective to those who have sleep disorders, bronchitis, coughs or hangovers. Edible Bird’s Nests also show obvious therapeutic effects to help moisturize and replenish the lung and clear away intestinal heat.
The mystical and mythical facts about Edible 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, Edible Bird’s Nests were believed to be first introduced in the 16th Century as a mean of medication in China affordable only by the Emperor and the rich then. But as Edible 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 Edible Bird’s Nests will have to be mixed with other appropriate health food to remedy one’s ailment.
Edible Bird’s Nest are glycoprotein with properties of protein as well as of carbohydrate. Its composition resembles that of salivary mucin with a high residue content of 2.5 percent. It contains 10.3 percent nitrogen and 17.4 percent carbohydrate with traces of phosphorus, asernate, sulphur and vitamin B1. The energy value per 100g edible portions is 345 kilocalories. The total protein content is about 85 percent with 0.3 percent of fat. Other minerals present are calcium and iron.
Amino acids isolated from Edible Bird’s Nest consist of amide, humin, arginine, cystine, histidine and lysine. The total content of mono amino acids is about 6 percent. Recent studies in Hong Kong suggested that it might even be useful in the treatment of AIDS. Young Asian ladies are putting Edible Bird’s Nests on their priority list in their budget to gain fair complexion and maintain youthfulness. Expecting mothers are also consuming Edible Bird’s Nests for a healthy baby with perfect complexion. Edible Bird’s Nests also help to strengthen immune systems and lungs for all age groups.

Efficacies

Due to its ability to prevent internal dryness, Edible Bird’s Nest is especially known to be useful in maintaining youth and enhancing a smooth and wrinkle-free complexion. In modern and ancient China, Edible Bird’s Nests are considered nutritious and purifying, its soup suitable for women during pregnancy. Pregnant women are especially encouraged to consume Edible Bird’s Nest because it is believed the baby will have a beautiful glowing complexion. Since it also helps stimulate appetite and aids digestion, Edible Bird’s Nest is ideal for the elderly and children. It provides a unique pre-digested form of protein and nutrients that will help speed up recovery of chronic illness. It is believed to refresh, stimulate and revive bodily strength and balance. Edible Bird’s Nest is also held to contribute to manly vigor, youthful skin, wisdom and longevity. Chinese doctors prescribe it as tonic and to persons with long, debilitating sickness. Edible Bird’s Nest soothes the mouth and throat as well as nourishes the lungs i.e. helps to cleanse and rid the lungs of pollutants and toxins. For smokers, it boosts their immune system, making them less vulnerable to infections.

Sources Of Edible Bird’s Nest

Indonesia is the largest supplier of Edible Bird’s Nest in the world. Edible Bird’s Nest is very rich in nutrients as it contains the digested food of swallows and they are formed using their saliva. There are many types of Edible Bird’s Nest available in the market and the origins of the Edible Bird’s Nest are therefore very important. Edible Bird’s Nest collected from caves, cliffs and mountains are more expensive than those collected from houses and under bridges. The reasons mainly are because of the risk involved while collecting the nests and also because of the temperature and humidity, the quality, fragrance and nutritional values are also different. Edible Bird’s Nest collected from houses is much cheaper and they usually turned watery easily.
Edible Bird’s Nests from Thailand are lesser as compared to those from Indonesia and the costs of the raw materials are also more expensive because of the difficulties collecting them, since most of the Edible Bird’s Nests are collected from high cliffs. The original color of Thailand Edible Bird’s Nest is light pink and can withstand double boiling for about 2 to 4 hours. Cleaning them is extremely tedious, as they contain many dust particles, which are difficult to remove. The Edible Bird’s Nests are therefore normally sold unprocessed.
Sarawak Edible Bird’s Nests are cheaper because the majority of the Edible Bird’s Nests are covered with numerous strands of feathers. Instead of removing feathers from the Edible Bird’s Nest, Edible Bird’s Nest is removed from the feathers. After cleaning, the strands of Edible Bird’s Nests are made into a curved shape. The nutritional values of these Edible Bird’s Nest are therefore lesser as compared to those from Indonesia due to excessive cleaning to get rid of the feathers. The selling price is normally half of those from Indonesia and Thailand.
High quality Edible Bird’s Nest are those that can withstand double boiling for at least 2 hours and above, and after cooking, it should have a light egg fragrance. Absence of this natural fragrance can determine whether the Edible Bird’s Nest have been cleansed well or not. Edible Bird’s Nests that are not cleansed properly can have its original flavor removed as well as its nutrient. That is the reason why careful selection is needed when purchasing Edible Bird’s Nest, otherwise consumers might be paying something without its value. It is thence of paramount importance for consumer to know the type of Edible Bird’s Nest they buy and not to solely focus on the difference in price, without taking into account the difference in quality. Since Edible Bird’s Nest is a very expensive health tonic, being selective and careful must therefore be the top priority

The Harvest

Edible Bird’s Nest are harvested four times a year – February, April, August, and December. The nests are first harvested just after the birds have made them (in February). The birds then build new nests, which are left undisturbed until after the eggs have been laid and hatched; these nests are then gathered sometime in late April and early May. The process continues throughout the year for several centuries now.
Collection of Edible Bird’s Nest is a highly dangerous and laborious operation involving the use of ladders, ropes, poles and stands made from rattan, wood, and bamboo. These are also known locally as gogalug, piantau, adi, and sungkit. During the collecting period, more than 100 skilled and unskilled workers are needed and assigned specialized tasks such as supervising, climbing, plucking, carrying equipment and nests, guarding and generally assisting their mates to ensure a smooth and productive work. The caves are divided into several lots or working areas. The Wildlife Department usually allocates two weeks every season for collecting the nests.
The nests are brought back to town for cleaning, separation, weighing in, grading and packing before selling them to ready buyers, usually by multiples of kilogram. During off-season, up to 30 workers are stationed within and outside the cave compound to guard against predators and trespassers. In Simud Putih, five posts are erected as checkpoints. The workers are provided with a wooden cabin just outside the entrance to Simud Putih where they live and all equipment are kept.