CNY Recipes Made from Bird Nest Soup

Chinese New Year is not only about red envelope. It is more likely about spending time and gathering with family, which reunion dinner is one of the most important events in CNY tradition. After reading about Why Bird Nest Soup Turns to Be the Best Gift for CNY, it would be also a great idea to serve Bird Nest Soup as CNY dishes for reunion dinner. Here are some CNY recipes made from Bird Nest Soup.

Stewed Bird Nest Soup with Abalone and Chicken

Ingredients:
- 113 g superior Bird Nest Soup, soaked until soft and stewed
- 113 g abalone
- 1 spring chicken
- 113 g lean pork
- 6 cups stock
- 13 g ham, sliced
- 2 slices of ginger
- Salt
Instructions:
1. Cook abalone for 10 minutes in boiling water. Turn off the stove and cover it for 30 minutes.
2. Take out the abalone, wash and rub with warm water.
3. Cook ginger and spring onion in boiling water for a while. Add shaoxing wine and abalone, cook for 5 minutes. Take out the abalone
4. Put abalone with hot stock in a stewing pot, and stew over the low heat for 1 hour.
5. Wash the chicken and lean pork together. Parboil and rinse.
6. Transfer to the stewing pot where abalone and stocks inside. Add ham and ginger, then stew for 3 hours till abalone is soft.
7. Add Bird Nest Soup and stew for 10 minutes.
8. Taste it before adding salt, if needed.

CNY Recipes Made from Bird Nest Soup

Bird Nest Soup in Winter Melon

Ingredients:
- 150 g superior Bird Nest Soup, soaked until soft and stewed
- 3 kg winter melon
- 75 g dried lotus seeds
- 113 g chicken
- 113 g crab meat
- 38 g ham
- 4 cups of stock
- Salt
Marinate:
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp caltrop starch
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions:
1. Wash the surface of winter melon.
2. Scoop out the seeds, pith with metal spoon, and parboil in boiling water. Take out, rinse, and drain them.
3. Wash dried lotus seeds, soak it until soft.
4. Slice half of the ham, shred the rest.
5. Dice chicken, marinate it and parboil.
6. Put winter melon in a deep bowl. Add dried lotus seeds, ham slices, add stock to the winter melon, and stew for 1 hour.
7. Add chicken, Bird Nest Soup, and crab meat. Stew for another 20 minutes.
8. Season with salt, and sprinkle with ham shreds.
Get only premium natural Bird Nest Soup to ensure the delicacy and nutritious taste!

How Much Do You Know About the Benefits of Bird Nest Soup?

Edible Bird Nest Soup is the nest made by the Swiftlet bird of Southeast Asia that is usually prepared as a soup and prized in Chinese culture as a healthful delicacy. Bird Nest Soup has a tradition of use in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 400 years for its aid in respiratory health, energy boosting properties, skin complexion, and general longevity.

With many examples of TCM being more than 2000 years old, Bird Nest Soup is still relatively new in the culture.
Doctor Hien Duc Pham, OMD, has been a practicing Oriental Chinese Medicine Doctor in Colorado for more than 20 years and he often prescribes Bird Nest Soup for his patients. He finds that it is particularly useful with respect to lung health. He discovered that cigarette smokers have experienced benefits. After three weeks of use, smokers have reduced their cravings and improved their oxygen intake.

Bird Nest Soup has helped patients stop using marijuana.

He noticed that marijuana withdrawal discomfort and symptoms were lessened with Bird Nest Soup along with other medicinal herbs and ingredients.The application of Bird Nest Soup eased the transition from dependency to a clean and sober lifestyle by reducing heat in the brain and reducing the instances of nightmares. Dr. Pham has also prescribed Bird Nest Soup for patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, and COPD.
But beyond medical health, Dr. Pham thinks that Bird Nest Soup is useful because it brings a sense of general calming and wellness to his patients. Four tablespoons of dry Bird Nest Soup cooked into soup creates a cooling effect. Certain seafood, such as crustaceans, can increase blood pressure, creating a yang effect. Swiftlet birds eat crustaceans and process and convert the food to the yin or soothing effect. The purpose of high quality Bird Nest Soup is to restore the balance of body function, the yin and yang, and improve general well being.

Bird Nest Soup has helped reduce depression and suicidal thoughts, aided with better circulation and calmed heat in the brain, brought on by things like nightmares, headaches, and anxiety.

Dr. Pham likes to prescribe Bird Nest Soup for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. He has noted that Bird Nest Soup restores the energy zapped by the chemotherapy and prescribes dry Bird Nest Soup.
Dr. Pham has also observed that Bird Nest Soup restores the sex drive of postmenopausal women over the age of 45. The Bird Nest Soup improves the quality of their hair and skin. After 28 days, all of these bodily functions have improved.
Bird Nest Soup is not a cure-all, however, and there are limitations to when the doctor would prescribe it. For example, while a patient has the flu, Dr. Pham would not prescribe Bird Nest Soup, but while they are recovering, he would not hesitate, as it can restore general health and promotes well being. He feels similarly about sinus infections. While the phlegm is yellow or green, Dr. Pham would avoid Bird Nest Soup. But once the patient begins to heal and the phlegm turns white, he would prescribe it. Traditional Chinese medicines like Bird Nest Soups are not about reactive health but proactive health and keeping patient's well.

Bird Nest Soup is one of the world's most expensive animal products

There are a few challenges that consumers may face. Finding high quality Bird Nest Soup is one such challenge. Bird Nest Soup is one of the world's most expensive animal products, the Bird Nest Soup market is full of imitators who sell fake nests or artificially alter its appearance to make their products seem to be of a more rare and higher quality nest than it is. Consumers should beware of practices such as bleaching the nest because it compromises the quality and potency of this healthful food. That's why it is important to buy a trustworthy brand that gives you a natural Bird Nest Soup product so you can enjoy all the health benefits Bird Nest Soup offers. Experts who operate herb and Chinese medicine stores can be a terrific resource in identifying the highest quality dry Bird Nest Soup and Bird Nest Soup drinks.
Another challenge is that preparation of the Bird Nest Soup for consumption is a painstaking task. The cooking of Bird Nest Soup requires attention to detail. The soup cannot be simply microwaved or boiled in a pot on the stove. Another way for consumers to enjoy Bird Nest Soup is as a pastry. The preparation of the dry nest is the same, but the delicacy is placed in a dough pastry not unlike chicken potpie. The Bird Nest Soup delicacy has also been delightfully consumed as a dessert.
With many OMD and TCM specialists trusting the benefits of Bird Nest Soup and the wide array of ways to enjoy it, you owe it to yourself to give Bird Nest Soup a try.

Get your basics right about Bird Nest Soup

Despite its high "yuck" factor - after all, it is essentially made of Bird Nest Soup - Bird Nest Soup is a delicacy that is prized by people all over the world.

A recent survey found that 72 per cent of 300 respondents consume Bird Nest Soup, but 66 per cent had no idea how its price or quality is determined.
Herbalist Ang Lai Chye, a retail supervisor at Eu Yan Sang's Paragon outlet, shares five facts that are sure to make anyone a bona-fide expert about Bird Nest Soup:

1. The builders

The Bird Nest Soups that we eat are built by three species of swiftlets - white-nest, black-nest and grass-nest - to lay eggs and house their young.
Those made by the white-nest swiftlets are deemed the "cleanest", with 85 to 97 per cent of their nests containing salivary glutinous strands.
The black-nest and grass-nest swiftlets, build nests that are mixed with feathers and plant materials.

Get your basics right about Bird Nest Soup

2. Types of nests

Nests can be found in caves on cliffs, or in purpose-built houses that simulate their natural habitats - in urban areas, near the sea or even in the jungle.
Both types of nests can be found in Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Cave nests have a crunchy and chewy feel in the mouth, while house nests are softer, smoother and more slippery.

3. Preparation

The swelling capacity of Bird Nest Soup depends on the compactness of the salivary strands, as well as its thickness and size.
Raw cave nests may require eight to 12 hours of soaking in water before they can be cooked, compared to about two hours for raw house nests.

4. Blood Bird Nest Soup

This isn't the blood-tinged vomit of the swiftlets, as many people may believe. It is actually the result of the absorption of minerals from the cave walls that give the nests the unique reddish colour.

5. Spotting counterfeits

Raw Bird Nest Soup that disintegrates easily upon contact with water may contain very little of the real product. Those which turn extremely white upon soaking may have been bleached. Counterfeits will also reek of additives.
The real nests, in contrary, should have a fishy tinge because of the swiftlet's saliva and have the aroma of an egg white after cooking.

Why Bird Nest Soup Turns to Be the Best Gift for CNY

Chinese New Year might be the most awaited events for Chinese people all around the world. It is traditionally the time for family reunion, family gathering, and visiting the elder married family members to get the red envelope. It is also the perfect time to show our love, and return the favor of the parents, either by giving them the red envelope or by gifting something valuable, such as Bird Nest Soup. It is the perfect gifts not only for elderly, but also for other members of the family, such as siblings (either men or women), young or pregnant mothers, and children

Among all other choices of gift, this is why Bird Nest Soup turns to be the best gift for Chinese New Year.

1. Countless benefits

Bird Nest Soup does not make the appearance better like beautiful outfits, but it improves the most important aspect of the life: health. With the high-value nutrients, it has numerous benefits to the recipients. It symbolizes the long-life and healthy wishes to the recipients.

2. Perfect for everyone

Not only for elderly, Bird Nest Soup is suitable for everyone in every age: young or old, men or women, pregnant mother, children, baby, etc. It is literally for everyone! It gives each person different benefits they need, such as benefits for women, for the elderly, for smokers, etc.

3. Long-lasting

With the right treatment and handling, Bird Nest Soup can be long lasting. It is best kept in dry and airtight food container, stored at room or cool temperature. Good quality dried Bird Nest Soup can last for over ten years if stored properly.

4. Easy to prepare

The Bird Nest Soup is also easy to prepare, so it’s perfect for active people too. How to prepare: soak and rinse the dried Bird Nest Soup with clean water for several hours; clean it using tweezers; change the water and soak it for another hour until the Bird Nest Soup is soft and expanding from its original shape.

5. Served as various dishes

Mention it all, either soup, dessert, main course, Bird Nest Soup can serve it all. It is also can be served hot or cold, depending on the dishes and preference. See various Bird Nest Soup recipes on our blog.

3 Top Breakfasts for Family

After the dinner, there's no meal get into our stomach until breakfast time. Skipping breakfast due to the tight schedule is not even an option, because breakfast is very important to replace the supply of glucose and other essential nutrients to keep the energy up for the whole day.

Please note that, all recipes can be prepared in advance (particularly the Bird Nest Soup), and then stocked in the fridge to serve directly anytime, including for breakfast time.

1. For men

Benefits:
Improves kidney and lungs functions, not inclined to get weak.
Ingredients:
- 5 gram of Bird Nest Soup
- 45 gram of rock sugar
- 26 gram of dried bean curd
- 380 ml of water
Instruction:
Soak the dried Bird Nest Soup for approximately 2 hours then drain excess water from the Bird Nest Soup. Place it into the pot and cook for 1 hour.
Add in dried bean curd, rock sugar and water. Serve hot or cold.

3 Top Breakfasts for Family

2. For expecting mother and infants

Benefits:
Consumption regularly during pregnancy will increase the nutrients, health and immune system of the fetus, and mothers will recover easily after delivery.
Ingredients:
- 5 gram of Bird Nest Soup
- 50 gram of rock sugar
- 35 ml of coconut milk
- 50 ml of evaporated milk
- 310 ml of water
Instruction:
Soak the dried Bird Nest Soup for approximately 2 hours then drain excess water from the Bird Nest Soup. Place it into the pot and cook for 1 hour.
Add in coconut milk, evaporated milk, rock sugar and water. Serve hot or cold.

3. For children

Benefits:
Enhances immunity, less susceptible to catch cold and flu.
Ingredients:
- 5 gram of Bird Nest Soup
- 50 gram of rock sugar
- 400 ml of water
- Honey (as desired amount)
Instruction:
Soak the dried Bird Nest Soup for approximately 2 hours then drain excess water from the Bird Nest Soup. Place it into the pot and cook for 1 hour.
Add in honey for desired taste, with rock sugar and water. Serve hot or cold

7 interesting facts you should know about Bird Nest Soup

According to scientific analysis, on the average, 70% of the nests contain forms of glycoprotein. Moreover, numerous health benefits have been documented in the Classics of Chinese Medicine.

Apart from these, there are other interesting facts and beliefs about Bird Nest Soup. Let’s take a look at them here -

1. Since it is quite popular as a tonic with numerous health benefits, it is best to consume Bird Nest Soup on an empty stomach. To allow the body to absorb its nutrients, it is advised to consume it before meals.
2. It is believed that the red color of Bird Nest Soup comes from the swiftlet’s blood. However, it’s not. The red color is the result of either oxidation or minerals absorbed from the environment.
3. Since Bird Nest Soup has high glycoprotein, men may use Bird Nest Soup for overall growth and a neutral energetic property, which help boost a weak immune system.
4. As a popular belief, Bird Nest Soup is used as a beauty food to maintain youthfulness and enhance the complexion. To aid the belief, studies have shown that its constituents is rich in epidermal growth factor (EGF) which is responsible for skin and tissue repair.

5. Another good thing about Bird Nest Soup is that it is believed to speed up recovery when consumed in moderation due to its unique predigested form of proteins and nutrients that helps in the recovery from chronic health issues. It is known to be a great medicine in relieving respiratory ailments such as asthma or chronic coughs.
6. When it comes to elders, they use Bird Nest Soup to maintain healthy living and improve their health conditions, typically to clear Phlegm, ease chronic dry coughs and relieve fatigue. Additionally, it can be used to stimulate the appetite, improve digestion and stimulate bowel movement.
7. Another key fact about Bird Nest Soup is that it is a good supplement for growing children as it contains proteins, amino acids and minerals for desired nutrition & wellness that are quite essential for development in young age.k

How to choose the best quality Bird Nest Soup?

As a general guide, you choose Bird Nest Soup according to these qualities

1. Boat shaped or cup-shaped, with smaller edge size
2. Firm texture with thicker strands, Natural ivory white colour (Not too white)
3. Clean, with minimal amount of feathers
4. By Countries or cave/house types

Health Benefits of Consuming Bird Nest Soup

You can be assured that all of the natural goodness of Bird Nest Soup will remain intact for your wholesome enjoyment and benefit.

Benefits

• Improves blood circulation, metabolim, memory and agility
• Helps alleviates asthma
• Moisturises and lightens the skin
• Helps regulate menstrual cycle
• Enhances foetus immunity and speeds up post-delivery recuperation when comsumed during pregnancy
• Improves lung, kidney and intestinal functions
• Helps boost the body’s overall immune system

Bird Nest Soup contains mainly proteins and amino acids (50-60%), carbohydrates and various mineral salts. Protein in Bird Nest Soups come in the form of water-soluble glycoproteins, which are crucial to produce essential amino acids that our own body tissues cannot make. In addition, Bird Nest Soup also contains more than 15 amino acids, including two essential amino acids (threonine and valine), which are the basic building blocks for tissue regeneration and body immunity.
The main carbohydrate in Bird Nest Soup is sialic acid which is purported to contribute to neurological and intellectual development in infants, whilst other major carbohydrates include galactosamine, galactose and fucose. Also rich in mineral salts, Bird Nest Soup contains sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc, all of which are essential for development of bones, tissues, blood and nerve cells as well as various physiological processes.
(Source: Lim Chan Koon and Earl of Cranbrook (2002), Swiftlets of Borneo : Builders of Edible Nests)
In recent times, the most interesting discovery by researchers in Hong Kong is that the glycoproteins in Bird Nest Soups contains elements of mitogenic stimulation factor and epidermic growth factor (“EGF”) which can stimulate cell growth and reproduction and strengthen the immune system. As such, it has excellent potential for restoring fine complexion and youthfulness, thus slowing down the ageing process.
In addition, Bird Nest Soups have also been found to contain antioxidants which help increase body immunity and lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, macular degeneration and diabetes.
(Source: https://www.hkfsta.com.hk/articles/special/article7.htm)
With our commitment to producing top-quality Bird Nest Soup without usage of any chemicals, additives, preservatives or colourings, you can be assured that all of the natural goodness of Bird Nest Soup mentioned above will remain intact for your wholesome enjoyment and benefit.

Health Benefits of Consuming Bird Nest Soup

Cave Nest vs House Nest - Its Time To Know The Difference

Bird Nest Soups are in demand not just locally but the world over, with more and more people recognising the nutritional benefits of this wondrous delicacy from nature. The White-nest Swiftlet (Aerodamus fuciphagus) and Black-nest Swiftlet (Aerodamus maximus) are the two main producers of edible Bird Nest Soups. Nests made by White-nest Swiftlets comprise 70-80% salivary excretion and 20-30% feathers/ impurities, whilst the reverse is true for Black-nest Swiftlets, i.e. 20- 30% salivary excretion and 70-80% feathers/impurities.
Historically, Bird Nest Soups have been typically harvested from limestone caves such as Gomantong and Niah. These are commonly known as cave nests. Cave nests tend to contain higher levels of impurities compared to house nests as they are exposed to the influence of external environment surroundings. Harvesting cave nests is also a high-risk profession as workers have to climb to dangerous heights and hang precariously from vertical cave walls while collecting the prized nests.
“House nests contains lesser amounts of impurities, dirt, feathers and the shapes and quality produced tend to be more consistent compared to those harvested from caves.”
House nests, on the other hand, present a more hygienic way of producing Bird Nest Soups. To cater to the ever-growing demand of this delicacy, many old buildings, usually located away from residential areas, have been converted into swiftlet farm houses to increase the nesting area for swiftlets. Nowadays, many swiftlet farms are specifically-designed buildings in well-forested surroundings and utilise modern techniques to mimic the natural cave habitat of swiftlets, such as dark interiors with the optimum temperature and humidity. The calling sounds used in swiftlet houses are also designed to attract only White-nest swiftlets, which produce cleaner nests. The swiftlets are free to enter and leave the structure anytime to seek for food and water.
Therefore, they are feeding naturally on insects and fruits just as cave swiftlets do. The harvesting process is also much safer as workers are also able to collect Bird Nest Soup conveniently from the nesting surfaces which are typically located no more than 10 feet from the ground.
Using a cleaner, more controlled environment yet just as natural, house nests are becoming a more obvious choice for consumers as these nests contain lesser amounts of impurities, dirt, feathers and the shape and quality produced tend to be more consistent as compared to those harvested from caves.
To ensure the highest food safety and quality standards are met, Company Bird Nest Soups are produced in swiftlet houses under strict supervision and control, from which the finest raw materials that meet our exacting standards and criteria are selected. Consumers will also be glad to know that, Company has not only achieved VHM (Veterinary Health Mark) accreditation from the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia, but also been obtained Halal and dual-HACCP certification.
Why take the risk with cave nests when you can safely enjoy Company 100% pure Bird Nest Soups from properly maintained and hygienic swiftlet farms?

Quality Food for Your Choice

While you are going to shop for grocery, have you paid attention to the prices of all food, including the ones that you don’t buy? I bet most of you do that.

Recent studies show that “the price of more healthy foods was consistently greater than that of less healthy foods over the period 2002–2012, and that the absolute price gap between healthy and less healthy foods has grown over this period.” Other research from University of Washington tells that “Not only are the empty calories cheaper, but the healthy foods are becoming more and more expensive. Vegetables and fruits are rapidly becoming luxury goods.”

We can mostly see at the supermarket that, the more minimally-processed foods, the higher their prices are, either they are organic, GMO-free, sustainable, etc. When we are going to the instant and junk food sections, the prices of most of the things are usually cheaper, either it’s the nugget, processed foods, refined grains, fish sticks, etc.

Why does Bird Nest Soup become luxury food?

By these studies and observations, can we conclude that the higher the price of the food, the healthier it is? Not always, but mostly yes. We can call it luxury foods. Still, we have to see carefully about the food ingredients and nutrients that usually stated on the packaging. Extra time to compare once is worth-it to eat better food and save extra money if in facts we can get cheaper food with the same ingredients and nutrients.
Bird Nest Soup is one of the healthiest and luxury foods, as the nutrients and benefits for health have been undoubtedly proven. It is safe to be consumed by men, women, children, pregnant women, moms who are breastfeeding, for baby, and for the elderly.

Why our company?

Company sells only natural and preservative-free Bird Nest Soup, and our premium quality Bird Nest Soup has passed Australian Quarantine Import Permit. Please be aware that there are imitation Company products on the market. Our unwelcome admirers are selling products in packaging designed to closely resemble our own. At Company, we have always made the quality of our products our first priority. You will know you are purchasing a genuine Company product by the presence of our patented tamper evident security seal on every product.

Facts about Edible Bird Nest Soup

You might know that Bird Nest Soup have numerous benefits. But you might not be aware of these facts about Bird Nest Soup.

Storage & Consumption

1. Bird Nest Soup is best kept in dry and airtight food container. It should be stored in room or cool temperature. Good quality dried Bird Nest Soup can last for over ten years if stored properly.
2. Averagely, people can consume 3-5 gram of dried Bird Nest Soup daily. Different amount should be carefully taken consideration due to different purpose of the consumption.
3. Bird Nest Soup is best consumed on empty stomach and before meal or bedtime to help body absorb the whole nutrients.
4. Bird Nest Soup contain 0.6% fibre, 60% protein, 0.75% fats, 8% moisture, 23% carbohydrate, and 0.6% ash. These contents include protein, amino acid, minerals, and antioxidant which are required and good for the body.

Facts about Edible Bird Nest Soup

Quality Of Bird Nest Soup

5. Bird Nest Soup might be different in color, which some are red. Contrary to popular belief, red Bird Nest Soup is not coming from the blood of the swiftlets or different swiftlets that consume different kinds of water or food. Bird Nest Soup red color is caused by oxidation or minerals absorbed from the environment hence might be harmful for human.
However, it is not advised to consume too heavily colored Bird Nest Soup. Moreover, some irresponsible Bird Nest Soup trader even dyed the Bird Nest Soup red to sell with higher prices.
6. The genuine Bird Nest Soup can be seen from the appearance, which consists of two main types of filaments (outer layer is longer and bigger, whereas the inner is finer and shorter). During cooking or boiling, the fine scent of near albumin smell will occur. After cooking, a good Bird Nest Soup inner filaments become water-soluble. This is important to distinguish a genuine Bird Nest Soup from the fake one, because more unethical companies would increase the weight of Bird Nest Soup by adding additives such as jelly, animal skin, or white fungus.
Therefore, it is very important to buy and consume only pure and genuine Bird Nest Soup.

Our Bird Nest Soup

Bird Nest Soup is made of the dried nest of swiftlets, which consists of their saliva and feathers by the ocean.

Bird Nest Soup is a precious natural nourishment and health product, which contains mainly proteins, carbohydrates and other natural minerals. It is traditionally used as a tonic to strengthen and fortify the body and replenish the “qi” of the body. Recent researches show that Bird Nest Soup also promotes skin cell renewal and regenerative power of body tissues.

There are mainly two types of natural Bird Nest Soup, the cave Bird Nest Soup and house Bird Nest Soup.

The cave Bird Nest Soup refers to the nests built by swiftlets in natural limestone caves and on the ocean cliffs. It is more solid, hard and tastes better.
The house Bird Nest Soup refers to the nest built in man-made swift houses, which is constructed by mimicking the swiftlets’ natural habitat. House Bird Nest Soups are generally higher in quality compares to the cave Bird Nest Soups because it is carefully monitored and the Bird Nest Soups because it is carefully monitored and the Bird Nest Soups are protected by the workers on a regular basis. The nutrition of the house Bird Nest Soups is also well-preserved in a cleaner and more hygienic environment.

COMPANY 100% Bird Nest Soup is cleansed using the “High-Tech Pure Natural Energize Water System”. All the final products are delicately processed with 100% free of bleaching agents, preservatives, coloring and chemical substances.
Bird Nest Soup is a natural health product with pure and high nutritional value. Regular consumption of Bird Nest Soup helps to strengthen the heart function and immune system. Furthermore, taking Bird Nest Soup also helps to alleviate the trachea, regulate the breathing mechanism, control asthma, rejuvenate the patient’s body quickly, maintain beauty and extend longevity. Bird Nest Soup is suitable for any gender and age groups regardless of seasons of weather.

Cooking Method:

Firstly, soak the Bird Nest Soup in water for approximately 60 minutes. Wait for the Bird Nest Soup to swell and soften. Next, drain and place it in a pot. Then, add in fresh water and double-boil it over low heat for approximately 30 – 60 minutes. Lastly, add in rock sugar and it is ready to be served.

Note:

Use low heat to double-boil the Bird Nest Soup and maintain the temperature around 80℃ to best preserve the aroma and nutrients of the Bird Nest Soup.

Health Benefits of Bird Nest Soup

Swiftlets’ nests (Mandarin: Yan Wo) have been a prized delicacy among the Chinese for hundreds of years. Made primarily of hardened swiftlets’ saliva, the nests are one of the five elite, highly prized foods in Chinese culture, with the others being fish maw, ginseng, abalone and sharks’ fin. Once reserved for the emperors, swiftlets’ nests are now available for mass consumption, with the market in Hong Kong alone worth more than three billion Hong Kong Dollars annually (about USD 400 million).

Introduction:

Swiftlets, from the genus Aerodramus, are small, insectivorous birds. While their habitat spans from the tropical areas of the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, only nests from four species of swiftlets in South East Asia are edible. The most common nests are from the white- and black-nest swiftlets, while red blood nests are believed to be the most nutritious. The birds’ traditional habitat is in limestone caves, with the males taking 35 days to build the nests. However, with the price of unprocessed nests steadily rising to its current price of up to USD 2,700 per kilogram, enterprising individuals are increasingly enticing the birds to nest in man-made environments, typically in customized buildings, to facilitate harvesting.

Health Benefits of Bird Nest Soup

What is it that makes the Bird Nest Soups so desirable among the Chinese?

Consisting of carbohydrates, proteins and small quantities of mineral salts, the Bird Nest Soups are double boiled with rock sugar to make a sweet soup with gelatinous strands of nest. In traditional Chinese medical lore, the Bird Nest Soup is believed to enhance health, promote longevity and boost the immune system. Others believe that the soup aids digestion and may be a natural Viagra.
Studies have shown that Bird Nest Soup can boost the immune system by promoting cell division of immune cells. Additionally, Bird Nest Soup extract is proven to promote epidermal growth factor activity, which in turn helps the proliferation, differentiation and development of cells. This is hypothesized to slow down the aging process by promoting cell renewal. Scientists in Japan also claim that the nests help to combat flu.
The carbohydrate in the nests is found to contain sialic acid and glucosamine. Some believe that an external source of sialic acid may enhance brain functions in infants. However, scientists have failed to reach a consensus on the issue. Glucosamine, on the other hand, is believed to help patients with osteoarthritis and others suffering from joint pain.
The Chinese are great believers in the medicinal properties of this delicacy. Although many of the health benefits of swiftlets’ nests remain unproven, the industry continues to thrive, with the market experiencing double digit growth in recent years.

How to Prepare The Bird Nest Soup

To bring out the best out of the Bird Nest Soup, we should carefully treat and prepare the Bird Nest Soup during preparation prior to cooking. This process is important to make sure we do not accidentally dispose all the benefits contained in the Bird Nest Soup.

How to Prepare The Bird Nest Soup

The process of preparing the general Bird Nest Soup is the same whether you want to cook it for soup, dessert, cake or any dishes: soak and rinse the dried Bird Nest Soup with clean water for several hours; clean it using tweezers; change the water and soak it for another hour until the Bird Nest Soup is soft and expanding from its original shape.
After going through these steps, generally the Bird Nest Soup is cleaned from any unwanted grime and ready to cook with any other ingredients, to serve the best delicacy for your loved ones. However, our Bird Nest Soup products are all clean and dry at its finest grade.

Bird Nest Soup for Healing Power

Soup in Chinese tradition is used to heal, improve stamina, and usually served not only for sick person but also for the whole family. In Chinese cuisine, soup is widely cooked with various ingredients, which one of those is Bird Nest Soup.
Bird Nest Soup has been consumed for possibly in 1200 years in China. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, edible Bird Nest Soup has a high nutritional and medicinal value as anti-cancer, anti-aging, and a long list of health benefits, including for healing power. Although it is among the most expensive animal products consumed by humans, Bird Nest Soup still has high demand due these benefits mentioned.
Although some sources mentioned that there is no scientific explanation yet regarding the benefits claimed, but a recent medical research by Hong Kong Chinese University reported that the cell division enzyme and hormone of Bird Nest Soup can promote reproduction and regeneration of human cells. In addition, it helps to promote the immune system and enhance body metabolism.
Hence, 1-2 hours prior to sleep is the best time to consume Bird Nest Soup, because it is the time when cell division takes place several times faster than the other time of the day. According to the registered nutrition therapists recommendations, regular consumption of Bird Nest Soup may gives better results in two serving methods:
(1) 1 to 2 bowls per week
(2) 1 to 2 tablespoons per day
However, unlike the other Traditional Chinese Medicine – as said before – edible Bird Nest Soup is uniquely be consumed and enjoyed as food. In Hong Kong, a bowl of Bird Nest Soup’s Soup would cost USD $ 30 to USD $ 100. Boiled with rock sugar, then it becomes the delicacy called Bird Nest Soup’s Soup.

Bird Nest Soup With Ginseng

Ginseng is a slow-growing plant with a forked-shaped root, which is similar to the legs of a person. Ginseng itself has various classifications such as Asian ginseng (red ginseng, fresh ginseng, white ginseng, and wild ginseng) and American ginseng.

What is used the most for medical purpose is the root of the ginseng, though the leaf is also sometimes used. Limited research shows that ginseng has various benefits including roles as a stimulant, type II diabetes treatment, and cure for sexual dysfunction in men. Ginseng is also used in herbal teas, energy drinks, or cosmetic materials.

Bird Nest Soup With Ginseng

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginseng is claimed to calm the body, restore the health, and boost the energy. However, some overdose use of ginseng might lead to some symptoms. Therefore, it is important to consume it in the correct amount.
Ginseng, if combined with the Bird Nest Soup, might provide unlimited health benefits as each of them has numerous benefits themselves. One of the perfect combinations for Bird Nest Soup and ginseng is through a high-protein dessert, like this Bird Nest Soup with Ginseng & Rock Sugar recipe:

Ingredients:

- 3 pieces of dry Bird Nest Soup
- 10 grams of sliced ginseng
- 100 grams of rock sugar
- 300 ml water

How to cook:

1. Soak Bird Nest Soup in clear water for at least 4 hours, and change the water to soak it again for another 2 hours. Observe that the Bird Nest Soup becomes soft and expand from its original shape.
2. Dispose water used to soak the Bird Nest Soup with filter.
3. Rinse the ginseng.
4. Place the Bird Nest Soup and ginseng with 200 ml of hot water and simmer for 1.5 hours.
5. Add rock sugar and stir for 10-15 minutes until the Bird Nest Soup is soft. Simmer for another 30 minutes.
6. Let it cool down for 15 minutes, then serve.

Nitrite and Nitrate Levels in Bird Nest Soup

Nitrites are not allowed to be added to Bird Nest Soup in Hong Kong , although it is known that they may exist naturally in Bird Nest Soup under certain conditions. Traders should source Bird Nest Soups from reliable suppliers and ensure all foods they sell or import are fit for human consumption. The common practice of soaking Bird Nest Soups for several hours, or even overnight, and washing them thoroughly with clean water can substantially reduce nitrite levels. Since nitrites are water soluble, The public should discard the water used for soaking Bird Nest Soup before cooking.

Nitrite and Nitrate Levels in Bird Nest Soup

Following up the incident of nitrites in blood-red Bird Nest Soup, a local university conducted a study on nitrite and nitrate levels in Bird Nest Soups revealing the presence of both chemicals in all 67 samples of Bird Nest Soups. The amounts varied significantly with blood-red Bird Nest Soups having the highest average levels.
In Hong Kong , nitrite and nitrate are not permitted to be added in Bird Nest Soup, but relevant regulation is not applicable to nitrite and nitrate naturally present in Bird Nest Soup. The mechanism of the natural presence of nitrite in Bird Nest Soup is not entirely clear. Some suggested that nitrite may be formed due to fermentation and the levels may vary with the extent of environmental contamination.
To alleviate public concern, the local university study also tested and confirmed that majority of nitrites and nitrates can be removed by washing and soaking. To reduce exposure to nitrites and nitrates, Bird Nest Soup should be washed and soaked for several hours or even overnight before cooking. Soaking water should be replaced once or twice during the process and be discarded.

Nitrites in Blood-red Bird Nest Soup

Recently, high levels of nitrites were detected in blood-red Bird Nest Soup samples in the Mainland market. There were concerns that nitrites might have been added to Bird Nest Soup to produce the desirable red colour.
Bird Nest Soup is made from secretions of Swiftlets' salivary glands and usually consumed as a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. The reason for the red colour of blood-red Bird Nest Soup is not entirely clear.
Nitrites are not allowed to be added to Bird Nest Soup in Hong Kong , although it is known that they may exist naturally in Bird Nest Soup under certain conditions. Traders should source Bird Nest Soups from reliable suppliers and ensure all foods they sell or import are fit for human consumption. The common practice of soaking Bird Nest Soups for several hours, or even overnight, and washing them thoroughly with clean water can substantially reduce nitrite levels. Since nitrites are water soluble, The public should discard the water used for soaking Bird Nest Soup before cooking.