Bird's nest refers to the nest made by swiftlets using their saliva. It mainly contains water-soluble proteins, sialic acid, peptides, and amino acids. Traditionally considered a high-end health supplement, it is believed to have benefits such as enhancing beauty and boosting the immune system.

By processing method:

• Raw nest (Mao Yan): Unprocessed with feathers and impurities.

• Nest cup (Yan Zhan): Whole, cleaned, and well-processed.

• Nest strips: Broken pieces of bird’s nest, more affordable.

• Nest crumbs: Small fragments, often used in porridge or ready-to-eat products.

By color:

• White nest: Most common and popular.

• Golden nest: Yellowish tone, rarer.

• Red nest (Blood nest): Red-colored; its origin is controversial and prone to counterfeiting.

(Traditional claims; scientific evidence is limited)

• Nourishes lungs, relieves cough and phlegm

• Promotes skin health and anti-aging

• Boosts immunity and recovery

• Improves sleep quality

• Considered beneficial during pregnancy

Suitable for:

• Pregnant women (usually during the second trimester)

• Postpartum recovery

• Weak or recovering individuals

• Elderly

• Beauty-conscious individuals

Not suitable for:

• People allergic to protein

• Those with cold, fever, or infections (temporarily)

• Infants under 1 year old

Look for:

• Legitimate source: Must have import certification (e.g., from Malaysia or Indonesia)

• Natural shape: Clear, natural fibers

• No bleaching: Should not be unnaturally white

• No strange odor: Shouldn't smell fishy or chemical

• Reasonable price: Be cautious if it’s too cheap

• Look
  Top-grade bird’s nest (燕盏) is bright in color, has fewer feathers, tidy edges, and an interior that resembles a melon’s fibrous netting. Both ends have the characteristic “bird’s nest corners.”
• Smell
  Dried bird’s nest has a light, pleasant fragrance with no musty odor. After stewing, when the lid is lifted, it gives off a cooked egg white aroma.
• Touch
  High-quality bird’s nest feels dry and elastic. If it feels wet, heavy, soft, and lacks resilience, it should be examined further.
• Burn Test
  When burned, genuine bird’s nest emits sparks like burning hair and gives off a similar burnt hair smell. The ash turns black. If it smokes and melts into clumps, it may be plastic.