Archive for November, 2005
Composition & Health Benefits
Birds’ nest has been used for a long time in traditional Chinese medicine for many centuries. It is classified as a cold food or “ying” according to the Chinese food concept.
Birds’ nest is mostly composed of water-soluble protein that is easily absorbed by human body. The total protein content is about 65 percent. The other constituents are moisture (~ 10%), traces of fat (~23.3%), and carbohydrate (~0.8%). Other minerals present are calcium and iron. The total content of Amino acid in birds’ nest is approximately 6 percent. Amino acids isolated from birds’ nest consist of amide, humin, arginine, cystine, histidine, and lysine. It is possible that when taken with other certain foods through a cooking process,such as ginseng (as a hot food or “yang”), may have high nutritive and therapeutic value to human body.
Birds’ nest is regarded as having a wide range of tonic and medical values. Traditionally, it is believed that birds’ nest can strengthen the lungs and use in the curing and strengthening of body in diseases related to weak blood, body overheat, and other bronchion ailments. Consumption of bird nest is also recommended to complement other treatments to combat degenerative diseases such as cancer and also for recovering health after illness, or surgery. Recent studies in Hong Kong suggested that it may even be useful in the treatment of AIDS.
It is also claimed that Bird’s nest contains elements which can stimulate cell growth and especially beneficial to elderly recovering from various body ailments. Birds’ nest is especially valued by ladies for its reported properties of making the skin delicate and growing radiantly. It is also mentioned that an expectant mother consuming bird nests would have a baby with fine and smooth complexion.
November 30th, 2005
Q : What is edible Bird’s nest?
A : Edible Bird’s Nest is the nest of certain kinds of swiftlets. Bird’s nest is a Chinese delicacy that has been claimed by Chinese for Centuries to be an effective health-giving tonic. The nest in itself is made from a nourishment-rich gel secretion which modern research has revealed to contain a number of health promoting qualities.
Q : How good is the Bird’s nest to human body?
A : Bird’s nest contains plenty of nourishment and possesses what the Chinese call “rejuvenating effects”. Modern science has help ascertain the age-old belief that bird’s nest contains a host of different proteins (water-soluble glycol-protein that promotes cell division within the immune system), vitamins, and various other minerals.
For more information, go to Beneficial Page.
Q : What are ingredients the crook added to fake bird nests?
A : The ingredients used to fake the nests include resin, seaweed, and white fungus called “the white Tremella”. White Tremella mushroom is added in between the nest-pieces. So, one of the keys to distinguish it when you are purchasing bird’s nest is to quickly check the base of the nest pieces. Fake Bird’s Nest externally looks very similar to the real ones but if you were to check the base, it is very obvious you can deteck chunks of Tremella mushrooms. Bird’s nest is never this chunky.
Q : What are the difference of Bird’s nest in white, black, and red color?
A : The white and black nests are differentiated by type of the swiftlet who build the nest, the white nest is made from the white nest swiftlet call “Aerodramus Fuciphaga” and the black nest is made from the black nest swiftlet call” Aerodramus maxima”. The price of black nest is less expensive than other color nests. The white nest is the best bird nest with its quality. The red nest is the rarest one that would be made by both kinds of swiftlets. The red nest have been believed contain the bird’s blood but the color actually comes from a chemical reaction between the bird’s saliva and the limestone cave.
Q : Is there any test to differentiate the contaminants from bird nest?
A : The difference between chemically treated processed nests from those of untreated materials can be detecked by the shine of the cement strands. Nest cement that is too shiny may also be the result of chemical additive. Because the color within the nest is permanent, cleaned nests that are too red in color could be the result of dye treatment which will dissolve when cooked. A simple test that can be carried out to determine if the nests are genuine is the iodine test for starch. Adulterated nests will turn mouldy if left in a moist chamber for a couple days. Other more complicated tests such as gas or gel chromatography can be used to separate the contents in the laboratory.
Q : What is the difference between Cave Bird Nest and House Bird Nest?
A : Since cave nest are made by natural cave living swallows and difficult to collect, some believe them to be more valuable than house nests, and they often fetch a higher price. However, cave nest generally contains more dirt and feather than house nest. House nest are also made by naturally-living swallows but are built in the human construction such as abandoned houses, building, tunnels. Generally, the texture of house nest are smoother compared to those of cave nest, and with less feathers and other contaminants. Some consider house nests are more superior in comparison of shape, size, color, cleanliness and consistency.
Q : Tips for choosing Bird’s nest
A : 1. You should feel the bird nest with your hands. It should be dry, light and hard. Bird’s nest that are sticky, soft and weighs heavier will become mouldy easily.
2. Bird’s nest should be clean and with little dirt. Bird’s nest with feather and dirt is not only time-consuming to clean. It also weighs heavier.
3 .If the Bird’s nest in cupped shape is dry, there should be 6-7 pieces in every 38 grams. On the other hand, there are usually 9-11 pieces of Bird’s nest cake in every 38 grams. However, this depends on the size of the Bird’s nest cake.
4. After soaking, 38 grams of good-quality (processed) Bird’s nest will weigh around 263 to 300 grams.
5. The quality of processed Bird’s nest depends on how many the long strands. The more the long strands are, the better quality is.
November 30th, 2005
Origin of Bird’s Nest
Edible bird’s nest first appeared in historical records of the TangTangdynasty in China, during the reign of the Empress WuWu Ze Tian(circa 626-706). From the historical annals, it shows clearly that edible bird’s nest was already a highly-prized delicacy in the palace more than a thousand years ago.
Swallows and swiftlets
Bird’s nest are produced by swiftletsJin Si Yan. These birds are from the same family as the common swallowJia Yan, but they are smaller in size, averaging only 9mm in length, while swallows can grow up to 17mm. Another difference is that the tails of swiflets are shorter with feathers that are rectangular in shape, while swallows have a longer tail and feathers that shaped like scissors.
Swiflets are found predominatly in south-east Asia, in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. Small colonies of swiflets may also be found in some remote areas of India and Sri Lanka.
Constituents
Swallows make their nest from grass and mud, and their nest are certainly not edible. In contrast, swiflets make their nest using their saliva, therefore the highly valued edible bird’s nest are actually the dried saliva of swiftlets.
Chemical analysis of edible bird’s nest reveals that the main constituents are water-soluble proteins (~60%), moisture (~10%), and traces of fat, carbohydrates, calcium, potassium and sodium.
Benefits
The benefits of taking edible bird’s nest are still not scientifically proven, although it was claimed that it contains elements which can stimulate cell growth and are beneficial to elderly people recovering from illness.
Traditionally it is believed that bird’s nest can strengthen the lungs and pancreas to prolong life also in slowing down the aging process. It is especially valued by ladies for its reported properties of making the skin delicate and glow radiantly.
November 30th, 2005
What is Bird’s Nest..
Authentic bird’s nest soup is made using the nests of the swiftlet, a tiny bird found throughout southeast Asia. The swiftlet lives in dark caves, using a method of echolocation similar to the bat to get around. Instead of twigs and straw, the swiftlet makes its nest from strands of its own gummy saliva, which hardens when exposed to air.
Do You Know..
Humans who harvest the swiftlet nests often come from families that have made their living this way for generations. Prying the nest from the cave walls in extremely dangerous.
Once the nest are harvested, they are cleaned and sold to restaurants, where they are served simmered in chicken broth. Apparently it is an acquired taste - many westerners think it tastes quite rubbery the first time they try it. However it is quite popular throughout Asia, perhaps because it has the reputation of being an aphrodisiac. It is also costly; many western restaurants serve a less expensive version consisting of soup with noodles shaped to resemble a bird’s nest.
November 30th, 2005
Bird Nest’s Heaven
Bird’s Nest is rare and so expensive that only wealthy people can consume it. Many people know that it’s a “cold food” because it has a cooling effect when you consume it. In Chinese they called it “Yin”.
Bird’s nest is produced by swiftlets. These birds are from the same family as the common swallow, but they are smaller in size, averaging only 9mm in length, while swallows can grow up to 17mm. Another difference is that the tails of swiflets are shorter with feathers that are rectangular in shape, while swallows have a longer tail and feathers that shaped like scissors.
Swiflets are found predominantly in South East Asia, in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. Small colonies of swiflets may also be found in some remote areas of India and Sri Lanka.
There are 2 different kinds of Bird’s Nest one is the “Cave Bird’s Nest” and the other is “House Bird’s Nest”. It is very difficult to find the “Cave Bird’s Nest”, because it is generally found in cliffs, overhanging crags and steep deep cliffs. So it is very difficult to get it. Whilst the “House Bird’s Nest” can be harvested easily from the roof of houses.
Although we can reach them easily, it needs to undergo a long laborious cleaning process. Not only that but it has to be soaked for 6 to 48 hours to absorb water to make it soft before it is purified.
The only edible and beneficial Bird’s Nest is made during the breeding season. The males’ swiftlet long thin gelatinous strands from it’s salivary gland is wound into a half-cup nest and bonds like quick drying cement.
The benefits of taking edible bird’s nest are still not scientifically proven, although it was claimed that it contains elements which can stimulate cell growth and are beneficial to elderly people recovering from illness.
Traditionally it is believed that bird’s nest can strengthen the lungs and pancreas to prolong life also in slowing down the aging process. It is especially valued by ladies for its reported properties of making the skin delicate and glows radiantly.
Quality Nest Trading has gathered this high quality dried bird’s nest (also known as swallow’s nest) with the strictest quality controls. Each box is carefully hand picked and packed into our delightful gift boxes. Perfect for making traditional bird’s nest soup or as a gift to your loved ones!
November 30th, 2005
Consumption of yen-ou (swallow bird’s nest) routinely will balance yin and yang in our body thereby will give efficacious-benefit for the following matter :
1. Delaying sign of aging.
2. Taking care of beauty, especially to make face skin more shining.
3. Very good nutrition for the skin, lung and also process of bone forming.
4. To pregnant woman, very well for the skin and bone forming of the baby.
5. Retaining growth of cancer cell.
6. Improving endurance or impenetrability of body to chronical diseases like: less blood, hot, influenza, cough, asthma or disease related to throat, specially to smoker.
7. Stimulate work body organs, passionate eat and very good of digestion.
8. Supplying a good nutrition for recovery after suffering pain.
9. Repairing damage cells after medical operation.
10. Many others
November 30th, 2005
Scientific Research about Swallow Bird Nest
Even a scientific research about yen-ou had not been done comprehensively but surely the bioactive compound is available inside which have a role to give a refresher effect. That compound give refresher effect. Mystery of this bioactive compound, just opened with technology identify modernly, like HPLC ( High Performance Liquid Chromatography) and GC-MS ( Gaz Chromatograph Mass Spectrophotometry).
Protein in form of glikoprotein represent biggest content which there are in yen-ou besides carbohydrate, water and fat. It reaches up to 50%. In the human body, protein takes a role as constructor substances, form cells and new network actively during metabolism. Animal protein has more solid nutrition because the compound tying more complex than vegetation protein. Even one of its generation compound - azitothymidine - have been checked can fight against AIDS.
Above all of them, swallow nest is the source of acid of amino completely. Noticed is about 17 acid of amino esensial, semi esensial and non esensial are available inside of this nest. One of them is nowadays developed by researchers in west as opponent of cancer or stroke.
One of the expert and lecture in Faculty of Forestry of IPB found the existence of specific items in swallow nest having an influence with health of human being. That specific items is analysed as ODA ( 9-octadeceonic acid) and HAD (hexadeceonic acid), having the character to strengthen of human body because it can stimulate enzyme to work.
Result of HAD activity quicken cycle of kreb, so that produce body metabolism 3 - 5 times. Minerals of swallow nest do not fail efficacious to support body activity. There are 6 minerals which have been known, like calcium, iron, phosphorus, Potassium and of Natrium. In body, calcium share for the forming of bone.
November 30th, 2005
Bird’s Nest & Gingkoes Syrup
Ingredients :
113 g soaked superior bird’s nest
75 g gingkoes
2 red dates
94 g rock sugar
4 cups water
Method :
1. Remove shells from gingkoes. Soak in boiling water for s while. Remove membrane and stalks. Wash red dates and remove pits. Then put red dates and gingkoes into a pot. Add 4 cups of water. Cook for 30 minutes.
2. Rinse rock sugar. Add into red dates and gingkoes water. Cook until rock sugar has dissloved. Put in bird’s nest. Then cook over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve. (stir while cooking so that the ingredients will not stick to the bottom of the pot.)
November 30th, 2005
Bird’s Nest Soup
Ingredients :
15 g Superior bird’s nest
2 dried black mushrooms
suitable amount of egg yolk shreds
suitable amount of ham shreds
3 cup stock
Method :
1. Wash bird’s nest. Soak until tender.
Tear and wash. Drain. Put into a large bowl.
2. Soak mushrooms until tender. Wash.
Cut into shreds. Arrange mushroom shreds, ham shreds and egg shreds on top of the bird’s nest. Pour into stock. Cover with lid.
stewed over boiling water for 40 minutes.
Serve hot.
November 30th, 2005
Swallow Nests with Young Pigeon Soup
Ingredients :
2 soaked whole swallow nest (approx. 2.66 oz)
(as has been prepared in “Basic Preparation”)
1 Young pigeon
2 oz. lotus seeds
4 oz. lean pork
1/4 dried tangerine peel
8 cups of boiling water
salt to taste
Method :
1. Soak dried tangerine peel and remove pith. Wash lotus seeds and soak for 30 minutes.
2. Remove gut and clean pigeon. Parboil pigeon and lean pork. Wash and drain.
3. Put pigeon, lean pork, lotus seeds and dried tangerine peel into a steaming pot. Add boiling water and cover the lid. Stew for 2 1/2 hours. Then add swallow nests and stew for 10 minutes. Season with salt and serve hot.
November 30th, 2005
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