Bird's nest: Telling the real from the fake

2010/03/29
NST



NEGRI Sembilan Association of Bird's Nest Traders president Datuk Lee Yuen Fong says edible bird's nest is among the most expensive animal products in the world and has been used in traditional Chinese cooking for almost half a decade.

"The nests are composed of interwoven strands of salivary laminae cement and have high levels of calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. The male swiftlet builds the nest, which is shaped like a shallow cup and is stuck to the walls of buildings and caves."

Lee says the nests are harvested thrice a year, with each harvest lasting up to three months.

He says swiftlets are monogamous birds and both partners take part in caring for the nestlings. The average lifespan of a swiftlet is between 15 and 18 years.

He says there is an increasing number of fake bird's nests making their way into the market. But anyone who is familiar with the product will be able to tell the difference.

"For one, swiftlets build their nests from their saliva, which is formed into strands. These strands can be detached into layers when soaked in plain water and, as a result, will be of different lengths and sizes. Fake ones will be perfect in size."

He also says the genuine bird's nest should be able to expand to double its size after being soaked and cooked.