7 Things to Know About Blood Birds Nest

Created by swiftlets from their solidified saliva, which are harvested for human consumption. It may sounds super gross. But before you completely write-off having Blood Birds Nest for the rest of your life, you should know that these saliva-nests are rich in calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and plenty of other stuff that’s good for us. Plus, after cooking, it has a really strong egg white aroma that makes it smell pretty tasty.

 Blood Birds Nest is one of the most popular ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). SSSmix1_900x600Here are some interesting facts about Blood Birds Nest:

1. Blood Birds Nest is best consumed on an empty stomach.

It is recommended to consume Blood Birds Nest soup on an empty stomach for better health benefits. But many people consumed it as a dessert or snack in the form of sweet soup as well.

2. The colour of red Blood Birds Nest does not come from the swiftlet’s blood.

Contrary to popular belief blood-red nests do not result from the regurgitation of blood from the swiftlet, the colour of red Blood Birds Nest is caused by either oxidation, minerals absorbed from the environment or the diet of the swiftlet.

7 Things to Know About Blood Birds Nest

3. Men may use Blood Birds Nest to promote overall immunity.

Blood Birds Nest has high glycoprotein content, growth factors and a neutral energetic property, which help boost a weak immune system. The benefits of glycoproteins are numerous. They act as blocking agents that prevent carcinogens both from attacking cells and from making changes to cells that have already been exposed to carcinogens. Many people make sure to include glycoproteins in their diet as a way to boost their immune systems and prevent or delay the spread of cancer. (source: Livestrong.com)

4. Blood Birds Nest is traditionally used as a beauty food.

Studies have shown that Blood Birds Nest is rich in epidermal growth factor (EGF) which plays an important role in maintaining youthful, healthy skin structure and function.

5. Blood Birds Nest is believed to speed up recovery.

When Blood Birds Nest is consumed in moderation, its unique pre-digested form of proteins and nutrients is said to aid recovery from chronic illnesses. Blood Birds Nest may also help relieve respiratory ailments such as asthma or chronic coughs.

6. Seniors may use Blood Birds Nest to maintain and enhance their health.

Blood Birds Nest is traditionally used to clear Phlegm, ease chronic dry coughs and relieve fatigue – common complaints as we get older. Blood Birds Nest can also be used to stimulate the appetite, improve digestion and stimulate bowel movement.

7. Blood Birds Nest is a good supplement for growing children.

From a biological standpoint, Blood Birds Nest contains proteins, amino acids and minerals that are essential for healthy development. Regular consumption of Blood Birds Nest helps prevent colds and flus. By improving the function of the Lungs and Kidneys, Blood Birds Nest helps boost the body’s immune system and increase resistance to external environmental factors.

5 ways to cook Blood Birds Nest

Blood Birds Nest has been consumed in China as a health food for over 400 years. Benefits range from smoother skin complexion to an overall boost in immune system strength.

1.  Blood Birds Nest Soup

Instructions:

1. Soak Blood Birds Nest in water for a minimum of two hours to overnight to expand the strands.
2. Separate the strands and clean the nest of impurities. Discard water.
3. Soak and wash the nest again if necessary using fresh clean water every time. (If you clean a large quantity of nest at one time, store the cleaned nest in the freezer for longer storage time or in the refrigerator for next day cooking)
FOR TRADITIONAL SAVORY SOUP: Add the cleaned Blood Birds Nest in prepared clear chicken broth or stock. Fold in beat egg white for texture and cooking sherry for fragrance. Add salt and pepper to taste and thickener (such as cornstarch) if desired. Serve warm.
FOR TRADITIONAL SWEET SOUP/DRINK: Steam the cleaned Blood Birds Nest with rock sugar according to your taste (average about 30 minutes). Steam longer for softer strands or shorter for firmer strands.
FOR A MODERN TWIST: Your imagination is the limit! Add cleaned Blood Birds Nest to your favorite vegetable soup or stew for a giant health boost!

2.  Blood Birds Nest Drink

Our delicious Blood Birds Nest drinks offer a more modern approach to traditional Blood Birds Nest. It can be served chilled, at room temperature or warmed up for comfort on a cold day.

Instructions:

FOR A MORE CONCENTRATED DRINK WITH FRUIT: Add  Blood Birds Nest’s 7 oz. single jar to a big bowl of fresh fruit cocktail for s simple and healthy dessert the whole family will enjoy.
FOR SOMETHING WARM AND SOOTHING: Add  Blood Birds Nest’s 7 oz. single jar to almond milk and bring to a boil. Add gingko nuts for comfort food at its best!
When traveling, never forget to bring a jar or two of 5 oz.  Blood Birds Nest drinks with you in your checked luggage so that you’ll never be without the best quality Blood Birds Nest any place you go!

3.  Blood Birds Nest Pastry

A  Blood Birds Nest original recipe! Blood Birds Nest makes a great pastry filler and tastes best when it is of the highest authentic quality such as that of  Blood Birds Nest nests. Our recipe offers an exciting twist on this ancient heritage food. Enjoy a warm Blood Birds Nest pastry at any time, but especially on cool winter days.

Instructions:

FOR A PASTY FILLER: Prepare your traditional pastry filler recipe and add pre-soaked and cleaned  Blood Birds Nest as part of the filler (for instructions on cleaning your nest, please refer to Blood Birds Nest recipe). Bake pastry per instructions.
FOR AN UPGRADED TRADITIONAL PASTRY: Fold in pre-soaked and cleaned  Blood Birds Nest into phyllo (filo) dough to and follow baking instructions to make baklava and other Middle Eastern pastries with a healthy boost.

4. Passion fruit lemongrass Blood Birds Nest summer sipper

Recipe courtesy of A Bit of Bees Knees.

Ingredients:

2 cups (16oz) of water
1 bottle of  Birdness drink
1 stalk of lemongrass
1 passion fruit
Ice
Instructions:
In a small pot, boil 2 cups (16oz) of water. Cut lemongrass stalk into thin strips and place in boiling water; boil until fragrant and water turns a light amber color. Strain water into 2 glasses over ice and discard the lemongrass stalks. Add half a bottle of  Blood Birds Nest drink to each glass. Top with a spoonful of passion fruit pulp and an extra stalk of lemongrass. Add more ice if needed.

5. Sweet  Blood Birds Nest sticky rice with fresh tropical fruit

Recipe courtesy of A Bit of Bees Knees.

Ingredients:

½ cup coconut milk
1 jar (5oz)  Blood Birds Nest drink
⅓ cup water
2 pinches salt (or to taste)
1 cup white long grain Thai sticky rice
2 tablespoons sugar
Coconut cream
Sesame seeds
Fresh mango, cactus fruit, dragon fruit and passion fruit
Instructions:
Pour one cup of white long grain Thai sticky rice into a bowl and cover with water; soak for 1 hour. Rinse rice and drain excess water then transfer rice to a pot. Add coconut milk,  Blood Birds Nest drink water, salt and sugar. Cover pot with lid and cook over medium-low for 30 minutes, or until the rice has soaked up the liquid. Scoop rice onto a serving dish and top with sweet coconut cream, sesame seeds and fresh fruit.