Indonesian Hut Bird’sNest A grade

Long(2) Ya(2) Yan(4) : Collocalia  Fuchipaga

Indonesian’s Bird's nest is one of the finest qualities in the world. There are two kinds of places to develop the Swiftlet (Collocalia Fuchipaga) nest: In the caves and in old or abandoned or cultivated houses with three different types of nest such as Blood Nest, White Nest, and Yellow Nest.

Once the nests are removed from the houses, they are washed and cleaned (processed) before being shipped to the shops for sale. From Indonesia, millions of nests are sent to Chinese communities around the world, with Hong Kong, Mainland China and Taiwan the top consumers. Southeast Asian consumers include: Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Types of Bird's Nest

Edible bird's nest can be categorised into two main types according to the location they are harvested from: cave nest

Cave nest

Cave nest are mainly harvested from natural caves in eastern Sarawak and Sabah (two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo). These caves are scattered in the state's various forest reserves, natural parks and coastal islands. The more famous of these caves are located at Niah, Kakus, Baram and Tinjar.

These caves differ in sizes and heights, but mostly are found on high cliffs facing the sea.
Cave nest generally contains more dirt and feather than house nest.

House Nest

House nest is made by Swiftlets that nest under the roof of houses in the countryside. Since many believed that having Swiftlets in their house is a sign of good omen, not to mention the prospect of a lucrative trade, it wasn't long before houses are abandoned to encourage the Swiflets to move in.

Indonesians started encouraging Swiftlets to nest in empty abandoned houses since the Dutch colonial times. Needless to say, house nest are those harvested from these"swallow houses".

Generally, the texture of house nest are smoother compared to those of cave nest, and with less feathers and other contaminants. Thus, the original cupped hand or crescent shaped bowl of the Swiflet nest can be retained after the removal of feathers.

Comparing Cave Nest  & House Nest

Bird’s Nest Grade by Bird Species

In the world, there are only 3 species of swallows that reproduces edible bird’s nest

Long(2) Ya(2) Yan(4) Collocalia  Fuchipaga Species (White Nest) – Highest Grade

Uses only mostly gelatinous strands for making entire nest. Gelatinous strands content in the unprocessed nest is 85 – 97%. This is the most popular form of bird’s nest in the market and commands the highest price. It is sold as a complete piece, which is the one I’m distributing now.

Collocalia Esculanta Species (Grass Nest)

Uses leaves (usually pine leaves) with its gelatinous strands as 'glue' for making the nest. Gelatinous strands content in the unprocessed nest : 5 - 15%. Used for for restaurant consumption. Looks transparent and glossy, with grayish colour.

Collocalia Maxima Species (Feather Nest)

Molting in the process, and using their feathers with the gelatinous strands as 'glue' for making the nest. Gelatinous strands content in the unprocessed nest : 5 - 15%. Very popular in 'bird nest cake-shape' market. Looks dull and glossy, with milky white color.

Bird’s Nest Grade by Colour

Red Nest

This nest has a bright red color and commands the highest price among any other color, due to their high demand and rarity. Not many houses have this kind of nests, and even if they do have, the nests can only be harvested 1 to 2 times a year. Red Nest production are only about 5% of overall bird nests market in the world. Wholesale prices ranges from US$200 (37.5g)** and more.

** USD$200 = SGD$340

White nest         

White Nest is the most popular nests in the market. The white colour unique to the nest is produced by the “virgin spit” or “virgin saliva” (Young Swiflet which has not mated before) of Long(2) ya(2) yan(4) Collocalia  Fuchipaga Species which is highly priced. Wholesale prices ranges between SGD$200 – 280 (37.5g).

Yellow nest        

This nest has a pale yellowish shade to it. Yellow nest is produced by the same species of Swiflet, except that the Swiflets are of older age and have mated before. Some particular consumers did raise concerns with its quality and probably higher susceptibility to bird-borne diseases. Wholesale prices are slightly below that of the White Nest.

Nutritional Values (Collocalia  Fuchipaga)

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.
 
Edible birds' nest is a water soluble glycoprotein with properties of a protein as well as of a carbohydrate. Its composition resembles that of salivary mucin with a high ash content of 2.5 percent. It contains 10.3 percent nitrogen and 17.4 percent carbohydrate with traces of phosphorus, asernate, sulphur and vitamin B1. The energy value per 100g edible portion is 345 kilocalories. The total protein content is about 85 percent with 0.3 percent of fat. Other minerals present are calcium and iron. 6 kinds of Amino acids isolated from birds' nest consist of amide, humin, arginine, cystine, histidine and lysine. The total content of mono amino acids is about 6 percent. It is possible that when taken with certain other foods through a cooking process may have a high nutritive and therapeutic value to human body. Recent studies in Hong Kong suggested that it may even be useful in the treatment of AIDS.

Traditional Uses

Birds' nest have been used for a long time in traditional Chinese medicine. It is classified as a cold food or ying according to the Chinese food concept. Birds' nest has been recommended for use in the curing or strengthening of the body in diseases related to weak blood or body overheat, cold, influenza, cough, asthma, and other bronchio ailments. Consumption of birds' nest is also recommended to complement other treatments to combat degenerative diseases such as cancer and also for convalescence or to recover health after illness or surgery. It is also claimed that consuming birds' nests regularly can give a person exuberant physical and mental strength as well as to restore the fine and fair complexion of one's youthfulness. It is also mentioned that an expectant mother consuming birds' nests would have a baby with fine and smooth complexion. Chinese concept of food and medicine is a conspicuous part of the Chinese culture and birds' nest is one of the food items highly valued and often prescribed for use in the treatment of various body ailments.

Tips for Choosing Bird's Nest

1. You should feel the bird's nest with your hands. It should be dry, light and hard. Bird's nest that are sticky, soft and weighs heavier will mould easily.
2. Bird's nest should be clean, and with little dirt. (White Nest) Bird's nest with feather and dirt is not only time-consuming to clean, it also weighs heavier.
3. If the bird's nest is dry, there should be 5 to 6 pieces in every 37.5 grams.( 9 to 11 pieces for bird's nest cake, which I do not deal in)
4. After soaking, 37.9 grams of good-quality bird's nest will weigh around 263 to 300 grams.

Procedure for Soaking Bird's Nest

1. Soak bird's nest in warm water for 30 minutes. After removing the feathers (if any) from the bird's nest, soak it in water for another 3 hours. Keep the soaking water for later use as it contains nutrients from the nest.
2. Pour suitable amount of water and bird's nest into a stewing pot. Stew over low heat for 3 hours.

Inside the Bird’s House

New Born Swiflets (Collocalia  Fuchipaga)

Notice the White Nest being weaved by the virgin Swiflets

White Nest being weaved

Older aged Swiflets (Notice the yellowish nest weaved)

Swiflets flocking together

Behind the Scene (Refining Process)

Before the Feathers and Dirt are Removed	Bird’s Nest completely cleaned

 

For Sales enquires:

Angus    (65) 9067 3103

Email: anguswholesale@gmail.com

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