About swallow nest, swiftlet, edible bird’s nest

“Bird’s Nest - Glossary of Chinese Ingredients and Cooking Terms”

May 23rd, 2006

chinesefood.about.com
Glossary
Definition: Authentic bird’s nest soup is made using the nests of the swiftlet, a tiny bird found throughout southeast Asia. Instead of twigs and straw, the swiftlet makes its nest from strands of gummy saliva, which harden when exposed to air. Once the nests are harvested, they are cleaned and sold to restaurants, where they are served simmered in chicken broth.

Authentic bird’s nest soup is quite popular throughout Asia, perhaps because it has the reputation of being an aphrodisiac. It is also quite costly; many western restaurants serve a less expensive version consisting of soup with noodles shaped to resemble a bird’s nest.

Written by Rhonda Parkinson

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