What is bird's nest
Bird's nest, also known as bird's vegetable, bird's root or bird's vegetable, is a nest built by the golden swiftlet of the Swiftidae family and many other swiftlets of the same genus through the mixture of saliva and downy feathers. It resembles a gold ingot. The outer wall of the nest is composed of dense horizontal filaments piled up to form irregular ridges and protrusions, while the inner wall is made of filaments woven into an irregular network. However, the base of the nest bowl is solid, with small corners at both ends. Generally, it has a diameter of 6 to 7 centimeters. 3 to 4 centimeters deep. It is mainly produced in the South China Sea Islands of our country and Southeast Asian countries. Bird's nest can be classified into three types based on the time of collection: 1. White bird's nest: It was once listed as a tribute in ancient times, so it is also called palace bird's nest; 2. MAO Yan; 3. Blood Swallow. Bird's nest is highly nutritious, containing 50% protein, 30% carbohydrates and some minerals. It is one of the traditional and precious foods in China.
The nutritional value of bird's nest
Bird's nest mainly contains water-soluble protein, carbohydrates and trace elements such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium and potassium. And amino acids (lysine, cystine and arginine) that play an important role in promoting human vitality.
2. Bird's nest contains unique protein components and a large number of bioactive molecules. It contains lysine, cystine and arginine.
3. Bird's nest contains hormones that promote cell division and epidermal growth factor.
How to eat bird's nest
Before cooking, the bird's nest should be expanded first. The methods include alkaline expansion, evaporation and soaking. The soaking method involves first soaking the bird's nest in cold water until it has fully expanded. Then, pour clear water into a white porcelain plate with a rim and gently remove the bird's nest, placing it inside the plate. Since both the bird's nest and the plate are white, it is easy to spot any fuzz or other impurities. Use a pointed tip to remove the fuzz, impurities and deteriorated parts. Be sure to sort it thoroughly and handle it gently. Do not mess up the shape or break the threads of the bird's nest. After cleaning, wash it thoroughly with cold water and put it in the soup to simmer over low heat until tender.
2. It is advisable to simmer over low heat over water. It can be stewed in soup, or used to make dishes or medicinal diets. Soak in warm water before eating to remove feathers, blood and impurities.
3. Bird's nest has a mild nature and its effects penetrate slowly. It requires consistent consumption to be effective.
