What is an Edible Bird's Nest?   

Edible Bird's Nest (EBN), also known as "Yan Wo" (in Chinese) and "Sarang Burung Walet" (in Malay). It is one of the most valuable foods in the Chinese community. The edible-nest swiftlet or white-nest swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus) and the black-nest swiftlet (Aerodramus maximus) are the two species whose nests are most often collected for human consumption. EBN is a traditional nutritious food with various advantages. The most well-known use of edible bird's nest is bird's nest soup, a Chinese delicacy. 

 

How is an Edible Bird's Nest made?   

During nesting and breeding season, the primary material utilized to construct swiftlets' nests is the saliva released by the sublingual salivary glands. The sublingual salivary glands of swiftlets typically grow in weight from 2.5 to 160mg, and their secretory activity reaches its peak during nesting and breeding season. Nests are constructed utilizing saliva as a binding agent for binding feathers and other vegetation together. It also guarantees a secure hold on the vertical walls of inland or seaside caves. 

 

Collection of Edible Bird's Nest   

EBN can also be divided into cave nests and house nests. Swiftlets build their nests in the attics of rural homes, whereas cave nests are mostly collected from natural caves.   

Locals gather cave nests using a complex system of administration and ownership. The nest collection procedure is often painful and hazardous. Collecting house nests is a relatively simple process, but care must be given to ensure the birds' comfort, and professional and knowledgeable personnel are often required. 

  

Swiftlet Ranching  

A bird's home must be constructed and designed comparable to the swiftlets' natural habitat to entice them to live and breed. The birds will return to the bird's home to breed by creating a tranquil, safe, and undisturbed environment. Many considerations must be made for swiftlet ranching.   

 

Nutritional Contents 

In addition to amino acids, fatty acids, and trace minerals, calcium, salt, magnesium, zinc, manganese, iron, carbohydrates, and glycoproteins make up most of EBN. EBN is regarded as a nutritional food due to its composition. The mineral content of EBN is vital for the biochemical activities of our body system.