What are the different kinds of Swallow Bird Nest?

Depending on the country of origin, Swallow Bird Nest can be graded and categorized using differing systems. However, all can be divided into 3 main types, by its natural color:
- Red (blood) Nests - most expensive
- Pink/Orange Nests
- White Nests - least expensive

What are the different kinds of Swallow Bird Nest?

Red (blood) Nest

A misconception is that red (blood) nests are from the bird’s blood, and have higher nutritional value. In fact, analysis has shown no traces of blood in these nests, and the color of the nest is a result of oxidation of the nest and reaction to content in the air over prolonged periods of time, and absorption of minerals from stones that make up cave walls. All nests are made from secretions in the bird’s saliva glands, and starts out as white nests, then in specific conditions, may oxidize, react, and change color. Cave nests vary slightly in texture, and is most expensive due to limited supplies and the high cost of harvesting, as it is extremely dangerous for humans to access these cave walls. The loss of lives from harvesting cave Swallow Bird Nest is not uncommon.

Pink / Orange Nest

Similar to red nests, pink and orange nests start out as white, and over time react with the surrounding environment and changes color but to a lesser extent than red nests. Nests that have been used multiple times for hatching and remain un-harvested over multiple hatching seasons are likely to change in color, density, weight, and size. Those who prefer Swallow Bird Nest that are highly-textured, dense and rich in flavors often seek pink and orange nests.

White Nest

White nests, being most abundant, are more economical to consume, and with the same nutritional value, is the usual nest of choice for the majority of people. Some also prefer the simple, white color to eliminate the possibility of consuming manufactured, color-treated nest, which is a real risk. White nests also give a feeling of purity, and in some cases white nests that are harvested early, before eggs are laid, have a high demand and market value.
Pink/Orange nests and white nests can come from both caves and birdhouses, but Red (blood) nests are exclusive to only cave environment. Red (blood) nests sourced from birdhouses should be avoided, as it is a result of human intervention to intentionally modify the color by many methods and unethical means. Consumption of these treated nests is a health hazard and should be avoided.

About Swallow Bird Nest

Swallow Bird Nest are glycoprotein with properties of protein as well as of carbohydrate. The total protein content is about 65%, carbohydrate of about 20% and 0.35% of fat. Other minerals present are calcium, magnesium, and iron. Amino acids isolated from Swallow Bird Nests consist of amide, humin, arginine, cystine, histidine and lysine. The total content of mono amino acids is about 6%.

What is Swallow Bird Nest.

Swallow Bird Nest or 燕 窝is a traditional Chinese delicacy made from the nest of the Swallow Bird Nest, a tropical bird which is found in many parts of Asia, including China and Thailand. The unique ingredient in this soup is believed to increases longevity, and as a result, this dish is in high demand in some parts of China. The Swallow Bird Nest used in the soup can be quite expensive, and the dish is typically served only at exclusive restaurants.

Swallow Bird Nests are birds in the family Apodidae. Several species within this family are able to use echolocation, which allows them to nest and breed in caves. These species produce a unique gummy saliva, which they use to build their nests; they lay down strands of saliva which harden when exposed to air, creating a solid nest. Harvesters enter the caves, retrieve the nests, clean them, and then offer them for sale.

To make Swallow Bird Nest, the nest is simmered in chicken stock.

The result is a broth with floating chunks of the nest; the chunks have a distinctive gelatinous texture when cooked which is not to the taste of all consumers. The soup is usually lightly seasoned, if at all, and some people actually find it rather bland. It is the exotic ingredient which makes the soup popular, rather than an amazing flavor.
There are some serious ecological issues associated with Swallow Bird Nest. Many companies which harvest nests engage in unscrupulous practices like harvesting nests too quickly for the birds to breed, and some have been accused of establishing private armies to protect particularly fruitful caves. Some companies also destroy nests from the wrong species of bird to encourage the growth of a colony which will produce usable nests, thereby putting other Swallow Bird Nest species at risk. Overall populations of these birds have declined in Asia, possibly as a result of the growing market pressure for Swallow Bird Nest.
Nests for making Swallow Bird Nest can be obtained in Asian markets, where they are usually secured behind a counter due to their high cost. It is also possible to make the soup with vegetarian meat substitutes, some of which can very closely approximate the texture of Swallow Bird Nest's nest, although they lack the perceived aphrodisiac benefits.