Bird's Nest
燕窝
Bird’s Nest has been part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for hundreds of years and is believed to be good for your health because of its nutritional and medicinal properties.
At Chong Hoe, we strongly uphold TCM methods and products. We only provide the finest-grade nests, selected according to traditional TCM principles. This ensures its purity and potency, allowing you to experience all the health benefits this nourishing delicacy has to offer.
Importance of Quality and Authenticity
Finding high-quality, authentic bird's nest in Singapore requires vigilance. Not only does it impact your enjoyment of this delicacy, but it's also crucial for your health and the environment. Genuine bird's nest boasts a uniform colour, free of impurities, and a firm, slightly springy texture. This indicates it lacks artificial colouring or preservatives and possesses a natural aroma. Equally important is understanding the source.
Ethical suppliers prioritise sustainable practices. Low-quality or inauthentic nests might lack the potential health benefits or, worse, contain harmful bacteria, heavy metals, or nitrites due to improper processing. By prioritising quality and authenticity, you can be confident you're getting a safe and beneficial product that is good for consumption.
Chong Hoe's range of products has no artificial preservatives. This commitment to purity allows the natural goodness of the bird's nest to shine through, offering an authentic taste and all the traditional health benefits it embodies.
Our range of bird's nests provides you with the option for a delicious and convenient way to experience the time-honoured tradition of bird's nest consumption. Whether you seek a pure and classic bird's nest experience or a delightful blend with other nourishing ingredients, we have the perfect option to suit your taste and wellness goals.
Understanding Bird's Nests
For centuries, a unique food tradition has thrived in Southeast Asia. Here, tiny swiftlet birds, known for their amazing skills, build incredible nests using their saliva. The saliva hardens into a strong yet delicate home for the swiftlets.
Bird's nests have held a special place in Singapore and other parts of Asia for a long, long time. Because they're rare and tricky to collect, only kings, queens, and very wealthy people used to enjoy them.
Bird's nest remains a highly sought-after delicacy in Singapore today. Bird's nest is not just delicious but also believed to offer various health benefits. It is steeped in cultural heritage and holds a significant place within Singapore's culinary and cultural identity.
Intake Recommendation
For maximum benefit, aim for 3-5 grams of bird's nest per serving. Smaller amounts may not provide enough nutrients for absorption, while larger quantities won't offer additional benefits.
Storage Methods
To last, keep bird's nests cool, dry, and out of direct sun and high humidity. These elements speed up spoilage. Aim for a well-ventilated space with steady temperatures.
Factors to Consider When Buying Bird’s Nest in Singapore
Colour
The colour of the nest can be an indicator of quality. White nests should have a natural ivory hue, not a bleached white. Golden nests typically exhibit a subtle yellowish tint, while red nests should display a deep, rich red. Nests from different regions, such as our natural cave nests from Indonesia, might show variations in colour, which can also influence their taste and aroma.
Smell & Taste
A high-quality bird’s nest will have a faint, characteristic fishy scent. The aroma can vary depending on the nest’s origin and type. Nests from different sources, like our Indonesian cave nests, may have distinctive smells and tastes due to their unique nutrient profiles and natural environment. Good nests should have a smooth, egg-white-like texture, a hallmark of their purity and quality.
Price
Bird's nests price in Singapore can be very expensive, ranging from $100 to $3,000 per gram. The price will depend on the quality of the nest, its source, and the reputation of the seller. Nests from natural caves, like ours, are typically priced according to their premium quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of bird's nests?
There are three main types of bird's nest: white nest, golden nest, and red nest. White nests are the most common and affordable, while golden nests are rarer and more expensive. Red nests are the rarest and most expensive, and their colour comes from mineral deposits in the cave where the swiftlets build their nests.
What are the benefits of consuming bird's nests?
Immune system boost
Bird's nest is believed to help bolster the body's immune system due to the presence of certain proteins and minerals. In TCM, it's thought to improve lung and kidney function, which are associated with immunity.
Skin health
Bird's nest consumption can promote healthy and glowing skin. This is attributed to the proteins and other nutrients it contains.
Digestive aid
Bird's nest is said to aid digestion and improve metabolism.
Reduced fatigue
Consumption of bird's nest is believed to help fight fatigue and increase energy levels.
How is bird's nest harvested?
As bird’s nests mostly live in man-made houses and natural caves, harvesting bird’s nests requires harvesters to climb tall ladders and possibly navigate treacherous clifts to reach the nests. They might use tools to loosen the nests and then collect them gently. If the nests are harvested from man-made houses, the bird’s nest has a lower content of impurities and feathers. However, bird’s nests harvested from natural caves have higher impurities and require more effort in harvesting, as well as sterilisation for safe consumption.