Edible Bird’s Nest Mythbuster Edition: The Red Nest

In previous post we have explain about the colors of the Edible Bird’s Nest. The colors are white, yellow, and red. The color of the Edible Bird’s Nest can be different depending on the location of where they are located or cultivated.

Myth 1: Natural Red Edible Bird’s Nest Simply Does Not Exist

Recently many believe that all red Edible Bird’s Nest in the market is fake and artificial. While I have to admit that there are some ill practice that convert white nest into red nest by using coloring (red dye), we should not be too fast to jump into conclusion that red nest does not exist. There is no doubt the red nests exist. In fact the existence is the exact reason why people attempt to make the fake ones in the first place. A lot of cave nest are usually red.

Edible Bird’s Nest Mythbuster Edition: The Red Nest

Myth 2: the Red Color of the Nest Comes from Bird’s Blood

One of the myths that commonly believed by society suggest that red Edible Bird’s Nest was made by sick or dying swift, that cough its blood while building the nest. Because of this misconception the name red Edible Bird’s Nest is interchangeable with “Blood nest”. Blood nest rarity and its exotic story have positioned the product as most premium and most expensive category. Nevertheless the factual story is slightly different. All nest is originally white and will stay white without any biological trigger. White nest will gradually turns into red color because of the unique climate condition and natural organic activities within the house of the cave. Moreover such optimum condition is rarely obtained, a main reason why natural red Edible Bird’s Nest is seldom.

Myth 3: The Red Color Comes From Iron and Rust

As discussed above, red color is a product of organic process and not chemical process such as rusting iron or other metal found in the cave/house. This is simply not true. But if such metal contamination process occurs and influence the nest color, it is not the original red color it should have. I am personally doubtful of the safety as well of this product.
A lot of people believe that red nest have higher nutritional content. While there is no extensive study that have comprehensive conclusion about this, we also cannot dismiss it as a myth. Testimonies about red Edible Bird’s Nest usually include feeling invigorated, better blood circulation/flow, etc.