Here’s how Bird Nest Soup is made, and why it’s so popula

Bird Nest Soup; a unique Chinese delicacy that may make you go “Ooh,” or “Eww!” or “What?”

First things first, if you haven’t tried this before you’d probably think the Chinese are happily munching away on real Bird Nest Soups, but… not true.

The popular (and super expensive) delicacy is produced from the saliva of swiftlets that has dried and hardened. These birds build nests with their saliva, using little to no plant material.

Okay, it doesn’t sound much better because you’re practically eating Bird Nest Soup, but hey, it’s been around for generations. And people pay through the nose for a bowl!

So, what’s the deal with Bird Nest Soup?

The consumption of Bird Nest Soup is said to have started in the Ming Dynasty, while other historians point to Zhen He, a fleet admiral, diplomat and Chinese explorer, as the first eater of Bird Nest Soup.
Most popularly used in sweet and savoury Chinese soups, Bird Nest Soup dissolves into a gelatinous texture when boiled. A small bowl of the “Eastern Caviar,” another name for Bird Nest Soup, costs between US$30 and US$100 in Hong Kong. But it all depends on the grade, at times going up to US$2,000 per kilogramme!
For a thorough understanding of edible Bird Nest Soups, check out these cool facts.

Here’s how Bird Nest Soup is made, and why it’s so popula

Benefits of consuming edible Bird Nest Soup

Chronic illness treatment and recovery
You’re encouraged to consume it in moderation and take full advantage of its nutrients and protein, which speeds up recovery. It may also help chronic cough and asthma sufferers and relieve other respiratory diseases.

Immunity enhancement

Older people may use it in keeping and maintaining their health. In fact, the nest has been used in Chinese alternative medicine for easing dry coughs, clearing phlegm and relieving fatigue.
Seniors may also experience improved bowel movement, digestion and appetite when consuming it regularly. On the other hand, men consume it to boost their immunity due to its high glycoprotein, neutral energetic properties and growth factors, aiding a weak immune system.

Supplement

Growing children can benefit from Bird Nest Soup, which contains amino acids, proteins and minerals, supporting growth and development.
In addition, women can also take advantage of its beauty benefits. It enhances skin complexion, promoting youthfulness even for older women.
Yes, the list goes on and on. Basically, it’s a power-packed product with tonnes of nutrients and health benefits. No wonder the Chinese love it so!
Have you tried consuming Bird Nest Soup? Any changes that you experienced? Share your thoughts with us!

Bird Nest Soup: Simple, Straightforward and To-the-Point

For centuries, Chinese royalty, that is their women, has been known to consume Bird Nest Soup to enhance beauty and aid in disappearance of fine facial lines. Their ingestion is also believed to make better skin and complexion. In Asia, Bird Nest Soup, perhaps more than diamonds, are a woman’s best friend.

Lots of Asian celebrities consume this daily to look beautiful! When cooked, the Bird Nest Soup takes on a gelatin texture, making it a lovely tong shui (“sweet soup”; Chinese dessert). The highly recommended way to enjoy Bird Nest Soup, is just with water and rock sugar. Check out the recipe below to know how to cook Bird Nest Soup perfectly.

Information:

Serves: 1
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 piece Bird Nest Soup
1 bowl of water
A handful of rock sugar to taste
3 pieces red dates (optional)
2 pieces dried longan (optional)
5 pieces wolfberries (optional)
3 pieces American Ginseng Slices (optional)

HOW TO COOK BIRD NEST SOUP

1. Soak Bird Nest Soup in a bowl of water overnight (8-10 hours) until expanded and softened.
2. Pluck out any feathers or debris using kitchen tweezers. Rinse and drain. To prevent wastage, run soaking water through a fine sieve to catch the small bits of Bird Nest Soup.
3. Add soaked Bird Nest Soup, 1 rice bowl of water, and any another optional ingredients in a small bowl and cover with lid.
4. Place small bowl inside a larger pot and make sure the water in the larger pot starts to boil. Once it starts boiling, close the lid for the small bowl and let it boil for 15 minutes. When the Bird Nest Soup is cooked to desired texture, stir in rock sugar to taste and cover for about 5 minutes to allow the sugar to dissolve fully. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

TIPS

1. Rather than weighing the Bird Nest Soup, go by pieces per person. For one person, use 1 piece of Bird Nest Soup. This equates to about 8-10 grams per person. We use 1 rice bowl of water per person.
2. Although red dates are a common addition in Bird Nest Soup, we wouldn’t recommend using it. According to our own experience, the cheap red dates will act like a sponge which absorb the goodness of the Bird Nest Soup (though it’s not so bad if you eat the red dates).
3. We highly recommend to enjoy Bird Nest Soup in the purest way – just Bird Nest Soup, water and rock sugar. You may also add American ginseng slices. If you find ginseng bitter or intend to consume at night (it improves alertness/提神), omit it.
4. Don’t fuss over prepping the Bird Nest Soup, because our Bird Nest Soup usually very clean. Simply soak the Bird Nest Soup pieces in water overnight until fully expanded and softened, but not so long that the Bird Nest Soup disintegrates into small bits. If there are any impurities such as debris and feathers (which is very normal, as it proves that it is 100% authentic Bird Nest Soup), pluck them out using a kitchen tweezer, drain, and they are ready for cooking.
5. Avoid boiling Bird Nest Soup for too long. Boiling them for too long will remove the solid chunks in the Bird Nest Soup, and cause it to become very watery. It will also remove all the proteins and good nutrients inside the Bird Nest Soup. The older folks especially dislike it when the stewed Bird Nest Soup do not have solid chunks after cooking (i.e. very watery). We highly recommend boiling them for 15 minutes max.
6. For best results, use the traditional way of double-boiling instead of an electronic double-boiler slow cooker. However, an electronic slow cooker is an alternative, subjected to personal preference.
7. It is said that Bird Nest Soup is best consumed at room temperature, or chilled, on an empty stomach (such as just before bed, or when you wake up in the morning). For maximum absorption, do not eat “heaty” snacks or medication a few hours before and after drinking Bird Nest Soup.