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Edible bird's nests, also known as swallow nests (Chinese: &#;&#;; pinyin: yànwō), are bird nests created from solidified saliva by edible-nest swiftlets, Indian swiftlets and other swiftlets of the genera Aerodramus, Hydrochous, Schoutedenapus and Collocalia, which are harvested for human consumption.
Swallow nests have been used as a delicacy for over 400 years, most often as soup.[1] They are particularly prized in Chinese cuisine due to the rarity, high protein content and rich flavor, and are among the most expensive animal products consumed by humans,[2] with prices up to about $4,300 per pound ($9,500/kg) depending on grading.[3] The type or grading of a swallow nest depends on the bird species, as well as the shape and color of the bird's nest. It is usually white in color, but there also exists a red version that is sometimes called 'blood nest' (&#;&#;). According to traditional Chinese medicine, it promotes good health, especially for the skin.[4]
Etymology
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The Chinese name for edible bird's nest, &#;&#; (yànwō), translates literally as 'swallow's (or swiftlet's) nest'; in Indonesia sarang burung walet often serves as a synonym for bird's nest soup.[citation needed]
Culinary use
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Dried swiftlet nests ready for cooking A bowl of bird's nest soupThe best-known use of edible bird's nest is bird's nest soup, a delicacy in Chinese cuisine.[2] When dissolved in water, the bird's nests have a flavored gelatinous texture utilized in soup or sweet soup (tong sui). It is mostly referred to as &#;&#; (yànwō) unless references are made to the savory or sweet soup in Chinese cuisine. According to the Qing dynasty manual of gastronomy, the Suiyuan shidan, bird's nest was regarded as a delicate ingredient not to be flavored or cooked with anything overpowering or oily. While it is rare and expensive, it must be served in relatively large quantities; otherwise its texture cannot be fully experienced and enjoyed.[5]
In addition to their use in soup, edible bird's nests can be used as an ingredient in other dishes. They can be cooked with rice to produce bird's nest congee or bird's nest boiled rice, or they 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) before double steaming.[citation needed]
Production and harvest
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Natural birds' nests, Ko Rangnok ('Bird's Nest Island'), ThailandThe most heavily harvested nests are from the edible-nest swiftlet or white-nest swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus) and the black-nest swiftlet (Aerodramus maximus).[6] Previous studies conducted by Lee et al. have reported that the nutrient composition of edible bird's nest is dependent on the country of origin,[7] food intake of the birds, climate and breeding sites. Most nests are built during the breeding season by the male swiftlet over a period of 35 days. They take the shape of a shallow cup stuck to the cave wall. The nests are composed of interwoven strands of salivary cement. Both nests have high levels of calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium.[2]
The nests were formerly harvested from caves, principally the enormous limestone caves at Gomantong and Niah in Borneo. With the escalation in demand these sources have been supplanted since the late-s by purpose-built nesting houses, usually reinforced concrete structures following the design of the Southeast Asian shop-house (rumah toko/ruko).[8] These nesting houses are normally found in urban areas near the sea, since the birds have a propensity to flock in such places. It has become an expanding industry as is evident in such places as the province of North Sumatra or the Pak Phanang District in Thailand. From those places the nests are mostly exported to the markets in Hong Kong, which has become the center of the world trade in bird's nests; the industry is valued at around HK$4.3billion per year,[9] although most of the final consumers are from mainland China. China is the world's largest consumer of birds' nests, accounting for more than 90 percent of consumption.[9]
In some places, nest gatherers (known in the Philippines as busyadors)[10][11] have seen a steep decline in the number of birds and a rise in unexplained fatalities.[12]
Color
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Although bird's nest is usually white, there also exists a red version, called 'blood nest' (Chinese: &#;&#;; pinyin: xuě yàn), which is significantly more expensive and believed to have more medicinal value. In the market, a kilogram of white bird's nest can fetch up to US$2,800, and a kilogram of red nests up to US$14,000.[citation needed]
The reason for its characteristic redness has been a puzzle for centuries. Contrary to popular beliefs, red bird's nest does not contain hemoglobin, the protein responsible for the color of human blood.[2] Researchers reported in that 'bird soil' containing guano droppings from bird houses were able to turn white edible bird's nests red, and that edible bird's nests' color is likely caused by environmental factors in cave interiors and bird houses.[13]
Subsequently, a research team at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore has found that its redness is caused by the vapor of reactive nitrogen species in the atmosphere of the bird house or cave reacting with the mucin glycoprotein of the initially formed white bird nest. Red bird's nest contains tyrosine that has combined with reactive nitrogen species to form 3-nitrotyrosine. At high concentrations, 3-nitrotyrosine produces a distinctively rich red color, while at lower concentrations, it produces the characteristic yellow, golden and orange colors seen in other varieties of bird's nest products.[14][15]
The researchers also note that the bird nest also readily absorbs nitrite and nitrate from the process' vapor which explains why the red bird's nest contains a high concentration of nitrite and nitrate, which are known to lead to carcinogenic compounds. This may mean that non-white bird's nests are harmful to human health.[14][16]
Market
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A box of bird's nests selling forUS$888.99
Indonesia is the largest bird's nest producer in Southeast Asia, exporting around 2,000 metric tons (2,000 long tons; 2,200 short tons) per year, followed by Malaysia at 600 metric tons (590 long tons; 660 short tons), and Thailand, 400 metric tons (390 long tons; 440 short tons). The Philippines, producing roughly 5 metric tons (4.9 long tons; 5.5 short tons) per year, is the smallest producer.[9]
The bird's nest industry in accounts for 0.5 percent of the Indonesian GDP, a GDP percentage equivalent to about a quarter of the country's fishing industry. In Thailand, the trade value of bird's nests, both wild and "farmed", is estimated at around 20 billion baht per year.[9] The industry globally is an estimated US$8.5 billion.[17]
Hong Kong and the United States are the largest importers of nests.[18] In Hong Kong, a bowl of bird's nest soup costs US$30 to US$100.[1][18]
Counterfeiting
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Besides the natural coloration process, the white nests can be treated with red pigment to defraud buyers, but methods have been developed to determine an adulterated nest. Natural red cave nests are often found in limestone caves in Pak Phayun District, Thailand.[2][9] The high returns and growing demand have attracted counterfeiters, leading to the halt of Malaysian nest exports to China. The Malaysian government has since employed RFID technology to thwart counterfeiting by micro-chipping nests with details about harvesting, packaging, and transport.[19] Industrial quality-control techniques such as failure mode and effects analysis have been applied to bird's nest processing at nesting houses in Sarawak, Malaysia, and reported by a research team at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.[20][21][22]
Authentication
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The high demand for edible bird's nest has garnered the attention of counterfeiters to defraud buyers. Fake edible bird's nest or edible bird's nest with adulterants may be harmful to those who consume it. Hence, there is an urgent need to find a solution to the issues regarding the authenticity and quality of the edible bird's nest. Numerous sophisticated techniques have been used for the detection of adulterants in edible bird's nest such as energy disperse X-ray microanalysis, electronic microscopy and spectroscopy.[23] Some other methods including DNA-based polymerase chain reactions, protein-based two-dimension gel electrophoresis and genetic identification based on mitochondrial DNA have found applications in the authentication of edible bird's nest. Previous studies used gel electrophoresis in combination with liquid chromatographic methods to identify some common adulterants in edible bird's nest.[7][24] In this study, gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography were used for protein profiling and amino acids studies of cave and house nests, and others samples such as white fungus, fish swimming bladder, jelly and egg white. Each of the samples had a unique protein profile which will be reflected on the protein gel and these results were supported by the chromatographic analysis. Gel electrophoresis also was used to identify and differentiate the edible bird's nests based on their geographical origins.[7]
Import restrictions
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Because a bird's nest is an animal product, it is subject to strict import restrictions in some countries, particularly with regard to H5N1 avian flu.[citation needed]
In Canada, commercially prepared, canned, and sterile bird's nest preparations are generally acceptable, but may be subject to import restrictions.[25]
See also
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References
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Bibliography
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Further reading
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Birds are remarkable and fascinating creatures, able to glide through the sky with a degree of freedom we humans can only fantasize about.
In many cultures, including Asian traditions, birds are revered as symbols of prestige, owing to their association with the heavens.
Perhaps this is why the nests of certain species have been prized as a culinary delicacy for hundreds of years. To this day, they&#;re still regarded as a high end nutritious food with therapeutic properties in many parts of Asia.
This article reviews the culinary uses, nutrients, potential benefits, and downsides of edible bird&#;s nests.
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Edible bird&#;s nests are also known as &#;Yan Wo&#;and &#;caviar of the East&#; in the Chinese community (1).
In traditional Chinese medicine, they&#;ve been used therapeutically since the Tang and Sung dynasties &#; regarded as a sign of power and status (1).
The nests are produced by the edible-nest swiftlet, a small bird native to Southeast Asia (1).
The world&#;s greatest flock of swiftlets lives in Indonesia, the largest producer of edible bird&#;s nests, followed by Malaysia, the most prolific producer of enthralling bird&#;s nests (2).
Although 24 species of swiftlets are found worldwide, only the white-nest swiftlets (Aerodramus fuciphagus) and the black-nest swiftlets (Aerodramus maximus) contribute to the lucrative market (3).
The architecture of edible bird&#;s nests is marvelously unusual and resembles a hammock consisting of tightly woven threads. They can be white, yellow, or red.
The nests are constructed of hardened saliva regurgitated by swiftlets. They also contain feathers and other debris. Edible bird&#;s nests are not built from twigs or other kinds of plant material, as some people mistakenly believe (4).
Edible bird&#;s nests are meticulously cleaned of feathers, sand grains, and other debris with tweezers before being used in cooking (4).
summaryEdible bird&#;s nests are a centuries-old delicacy. Edible-nest swiftlets, a species of bird native to Southeast Asia, build the nests from their saliva. The nests are used therapeutically in traditional Chinese medicine.
For centuries, the nests were harvested from limestone caves in Borneo, Malaysia &#; particularly the enormous Gomantong and Niah caves.
Today, edible bird&#;s nests are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment of . Only locals with permits can climb to the top of the caves twice a year, in February and July&#;September, to harvest. Unauthorized collectors may be fined and penalized (5).
Harvesting these nests is described as controversial by some internet communities. It&#;s claimed that those engaged in the business pay bribes to obtain access to the caves.
Today, the global market for edible bird&#;s nests is on the upswing, with most nests being farmed rather than collected from caves (6).
summaryFor centuries, the nests have been plucked from limestone caves in Borneo, Malaysia. The global market for edible bird&#;s nests is resurging. Today, most nests are farmed rather than being collected from caves.
Traditionally, the Chinese community has used these nests as a soup ingredient. Today, the soup continues to be used as a medicinal supplement and remedy in the Asian community.
The soup has been a status symbol and used as a therapeutic aid since ancient China, when it was consumed by rulers and high officials. Even today, it&#;s considered one of the most expensive soups in the world.
To make it, the bird&#;s nest is infused in a double boiling process with rock sugar. The preparation process can last for hours (2).
The soup&#;s flavor is mild, with a somewhat gooey texture comparable to egg whites. In some specialty Asian restaurants, you&#;ll find it prepared as a main or entree on the menu, sometimes served with noodles, seafood, or vegetables.
summaryThe nest is popularly used as a soup ingredient in China. It was a status symbol and believed to be a restorative health tonic. To make it, the nest is infused in a double boiling process with rock sugar.
Both macronutrients and micronutrients are found in edible bird&#;s nests.
Carbohydrates, glycoproteins &#; molecules with protein and carbohydrate chains that support body functions &#; and trace elements like calcium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, and iron make up the key nutrients (7).
Edible bird&#;s nests also contain a plethora of bioactive compounds that might have health-promoting effects.
These include glucosamine, sialic acid, the structural components of fat called fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and the building blocks of proteins called amino acids (7).
summaryCarbohydrates, glycoproteins, and minerals like calcium and iron are the major nutrients in bird&#;s nests.
There are many claims that bird&#;s nests support human health, although research is lacking to support them.
Traditional Chinese medicine claims that edible bird&#;s nests work as a remedy for illnesses like tuberculosis, asthma, and stomach troubles (2).
It&#;s also said that edible bird&#;s nests might improve libido, strengthen immune function, enhance energy and metabolism, and stimulate circulation. These properties have even been researched in test-tube studies (2, 8).
Nonetheless, these findings need to be confirmed with additional evidence.
It appears that some bioactive compounds found in edible bird&#;s nests could potentially hinder the flu virus (2).
Plus, three preliminary lab studies suggest that components of edible bird&#;s nests may be able to destroy rapidly growing cancer cells. However, the exact components showing anti-cancer properties are unknown at this time (2).
Nonetheless, further research is needed to support these findings.
There is also interest in the potential of edible bird&#;s nests as a therapeutic supplement for osteoarthritis and bone health.
Although data is scarce, animal research has observed increased bone strength after daily consumption of edible bird&#;s nest extract (2).
According to animal research, edible bird&#;s nests may have brain-protective properties (9).
Alzheimer&#;s disease, Parkinson&#;s disease, brain injury, and stroke are all linked to cognitive impairment, possibly due to inflammation in the brain (9).
One systematic review in animals showed that edible bird&#;s nests enhanced cognitive performance by lowering inflammation and oxidative stress (10).
Oxidative stress is when free radicals &#; molecules with disease-causing potential &#; damage your body&#;s cells by altering their chemical structures. It can lead to a cascade of adverse health effects.
Still, more research is needed before bird&#;s nests can be linked with improved brain health.
High blood sugar levels promote oxidative stress and are a major contributing risk factor for heart disease in people with unmanaged diabetes.
Promisingly, mouse and test-tube research have demonstrated that bird&#;s nests could protect the blood vessels of people with diabetes from oxidative stress (11).
Still, more research is needed on the topic, especially in humans.
Edible bird&#;s nests have long been promoted as a beauty treatment, with claims that they moisturize, whiten, and protect the skin from oxidation (12).
In fact, proteins found in edible bird&#;s nests have been shown to protect the skin barrier and provide anti-aging properties (3, 12).
According to a recent study, edible nests also improve the skin&#;s surface texture (13).
Further, some people believe that these nests, which have a collagen-like texture and structure, can strengthen facial collagen and improve sagging skin.
However, it&#;s still uncertain if swiftlet nests have any effect on collagen production and skin health.
summaryAccording to animal studies, bird&#;s nests could potentially protect against the flu, support bone health, improve brain health, and more. However, there is little to no robust scientific evidence to substantiate these claims.
Some people are allergic to edible bird&#;s nests and could experience life-threatening anaphylaxis after consuming. The saliva of the swiftlets, insects eaten by the swiftlets, mites living in the nests, and cleaning practices of the nests may all be sources of allergens (3).
What&#;s more, bacteria found in edible bird&#;s nests might cause food poisoning. Microorganisms of concern include E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, yeast, and mold (3).
It&#;s also worth noting that since bird&#;s nests are animal by-products, certain countries have stringent import limits for them. For example, this is to prevent the spread of the H5N1 avian influenza, also known as the bird flu (14).
summarySome people may be allergic to edible bird&#;s nests, potentially to a life-threatening degree. Furthermore, the nests can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. Some countries limit the import of the nests due to a risk of spreading avian flu.
Edible bird&#;s nests are made from the saliva of swiftlets.
These nests are considered a delicacy and have been consumed for thousands of years. They&#;re sometimes referred to as the &#;caviar of the East.&#;
The Chinese community has used edible bird&#;s nests in traditional Chinese medicine and as a therapeutic ingredient in soup.
Edible bird&#;s nests have been linked to a variety of benefits in animal research. However, there is minimal reliable scientific evidence to support these assertions, and more studies are needed to better understand how the nests may affect human health.
Keep in mind that some people may be allergic to edible bird&#;s nests. They&#;re also associated with a risk of food poisoning.
Keep in mind: Swiftlets are a vulnerable species. The more nests that are destroyed, the closer swiftlets come to extinction. The Chinese government has banned the harvest of bird&#;s nests because swiftlet populations have dwindled in these areas.
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