What do i need to know about bird nests?


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zoossh

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Nov 29, 2005
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Well, ok, i'm guy and i never like to take bird nests. but i'm getting it for a friend who is pregnant. i saw a whole fridge of bird nests that cost 4 digit per box at eun yan seng, and thought that is crazy... i probably dun really trust the sales people in the shop.

can i get to know if anyone knows where best to get it and how much it roughly costs for the good ones (3 digit or less)? how do you prepare those bird nest in the boxes? must they be refridged at all times once cooked, and is it ok to bring it out for an hour or two without fridge.

i know the most convinient is to get those bottled ones, and i hope to get something better.

or if not, is there any forums for "aunties" or ladies, so that i can get more information? in the meanwhile, i will goggle, but first hand advices/local information greatly appreciated.
 

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Not an expert, but do noe that the cheaper grade of birdnests are commonly bleached. Also these unprepared birdnest have to be cleaned(a long time needed) before brewing so take note.
 

frankly i dunno why ppl buy bird nest, they dun have nutritional value... and even if they have, it doesnt worth its price, and u are better off heading to GNC and grab a big tub of multi vitamins.
 

yup cheaper birdnests usually have alot of other ingredients beside the birdnest itself.
but then again i think those are better alternatives, as birdnest itself does not have any nutritional values.

for people whom like it cold, can put in fridge. for warm one, i think put the tiny glass bottle into hot water can already. something like how u "make hot" chicken essence.
 

yup cheaper birdnests usually have alot of other ingredients beside the birdnest itself.
but then again i think those are better alternatives, as birdnest itself does not have any nutritional values.

for people whom like it cold, can put in fridge. for warm one, i think put the tiny glass bottle into hot water can already. something like how u "make hot" chicken essence.

like? bird droppings? straws? My mum used to buy raw one and clean herself cos it is cheaper. But in the end has to throw a lot of it in the cleaning process. So understandably the price of the clean one is higher not just to employ people to do it, but also to that loss of weight.

As with everything consume in moderation.
 

Perhaps your pregnant friend should consult her gynae before taking this first?

Does your friend currently has morning sickness/allergies? Can she withstand birds nest? If not, it will be a waste.

The various supermarkets sell them.

It is recommended that bird's nest when once open, the remainder of it should be kept in the fridge.
 

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Perhaps your pregnant friend should consult her gynae on taking this first?

Does your friend currently has morning sickness? Can she withstand birds nest? If not it will be a waste.

The various supermarkets sell them.
I agree. Not everyone can take bird's nest and she being a mom, will be extremely cautious.


GMAN
 

frankly i dunno why ppl buy bird nest, they dun have nutritional value... and even if they have, it doesnt worth its price, and u are better off heading to GNC and grab a big tub of multi vitamins.

it is for "pampering" of the mouth. ;)
 

Perhaps your pregnant friend should consult her gynae before taking this first?

Does your friend currently has morning sickness/allergies? Can she withstand birds nest? If not, it will be a waste.

The various supermarkets sell them.

It is recommended that bird's nest when once open, the remainder of it should be kept in the fridge.

to my knowledge, no. but i'll check with her. it will also be taken in moderation.
 

Real Birds nest (dried) doesn't need to be put in the fridge, just some cool dry place can already ( Of course fridge is definitely cool and dry ).

Bird nest contains many beneficial proteins and nutrition in natural form. Of course some companies makes vitamins or health supplements that is the "same" as that found in birds nest, and maybe in higher concentration. But the fact remains that these "pills" are chemically produced or "extracted" using advance processing (advance may mean high tech or extensive ), whereas bird nest is produced by mother nature. The only process that high quality bird nests gone thru is essentially cleaning, to remove the feathers etc.. )

There'll be some grade of bird nest that is more expensive than the other. whether it is worth it is subjective. Essentially, all bird nest have similar nutritional value. The different "grade" maybe due to different species of swallows. The harvest of some of which can be very difficult and dangerous, hence the high price. And usually the more expensive ones have better "taste". For e.g., those costing 4 digits, after cooking, still have visible, thick strains, and has better "bite". Those costing 3 digits, maybe "dissolve" or disintegrated after cooking, and no "bite".

The more expensive ones are usually whole (I guess), actual nests that have been meticulously cleaned. The cheaper ones are broken pieces, or loose strains that fall off during cleaning. They are cleaned then "re-assembled" to look like a nest, then packed.

Based on hearsay at the TCM shops, there is no harm in taking bird nest and anyone can take them (including the seriously weak little nyona) as it is mainly nutritious proteins.

IMHO, The bottled ones are not really worth paying so much, for anything other than convenience. You're paying for the sugar and water too.


Disclaimer : Read at your own risk :bsmilie:
 

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