Essential Things to know about Bird’s Nest Soup

Essential Things to know about Bird’s Nest Soup

Bird’s Nest Soup is highly coveted in the Asian culture due to its rarity and exquisite flavor. Often referred to as the “caviar of the East”, Bird’s Nest Soup is among the most expensive delicacies consumed by humans for over 400 years. Bird’s Nest Soup is considered a super-food due to their high content of protein and essential amino acids while low in calories and fat. How to prepare/cook a nutritiously delicious bowl of Bird’s Nest Soup without accidentally depleting important nutrients?

1. How to clean Bird’s Nest Soup

- When removing the feathers and debris from Bird’s Nest Soup, do NOT soak in hot water, as hot water will start breaking down the proteins and amino acids in the Bird’s Nest Soup, hence depleting the nutrients from it.
- Do not use any substance. Many people use alcohol and other chemicals. This is not necessary. In addition, depend on the chemical used, it could either deplete Bird’s Nest Soup of nutrients and/or ruin its delicate taste. Clean COLD water is best for soaking and cleaning Bird’s Nest Soup.
- Soaking time should not be too long, preferably under 4 hours or until Bird’s Nest Soup is soft

2. How to store Bird’s Nest Soup

If not cooked immediately after cleaning, squeeze dry, place in a clean container with a lid and refrigerate. Bird’s Nest Soup will stay fresh for about 1 week. If you need to store Bird’s Nest Soup for longer period, then air dry with a fan, avoid exposure to sunlight, and store in an air tight container in a dry place at room temperature.
Even though Bird’s Nest Soup is very nutritious, it is not a miracle drug and does NOT stay fresh forever. Unlike wine or cheese, Bird’s Nest Soup does NOT get better with age. Dried Bird’s Nest Soup is good for a few years under the proper storage conditions, however, like everything else, Bird’s Nest Soup starts breaking down if you wait too long. It will be less nutritious and delicious if stored for a long time. Hence, you should use it as soon as possible. It is better to use a little everyday and regularly rather than large amounts sporadically. Do NOT eat expired/spoiled/moldy Bird’s Nest Soup!

3. Best time to consume Bird’s Nest Soup

Even though there has not been any scientific studies regarding the optimal time to consume Bird’s Nest Soup, many people believe that the best time to eat Bird’s Nest Soup is in the evening before bedtime. This is because the concentration of growth hormone is peaked within 1 hour of falling asleep. Thus, the body can make the most effective use of nutrients such as proteins, amino acids and minerals during this time for development.
In addition, Bird’s Nest Soup is considered as a tonic. Ideally, it should be consumed before meals to allow the body to better absorb its nutrients. As mentioned earlier, it is better to use a little everyday and regularly rather than large amounts sporadically.

4. Who can use Bird’s Nest Soup

Bird’s Nest Soup is a good supplement for growing children. From a biological standpoint, Bird’s Nest Soup contains proteins, amino acids and minerals that are essential for healthy development. It can help boost the body’s immune system and increase resistance to external environmental factors.
It is recommended that seniors use Bird’s Nest Soup to mainta​in and enhance their health. Bird’s Nest Soup can be used to stimulate the appetite, improve digestion and stimulate bowel movement.
Pregnant women in their first trimester and infants should NOT use Bird’s Nest Soup. ***Bird’s Nest Soup may cause allergic reactions in certain individuals, do exercise caution when consuming for the first time.*** Also, according to traditional eastern medicine, Bird’s Nest Soup is contraindicated for people with obesity, cold extremeties, gout and irritable bowel syndrome.