Myanmar's Bird Saliva Nest industry comes home to roost

Today the global Bird Saliva Nest industry is estimated to be worth $5 billion, most of it produced in Southeast Asia.

The cries of amorous swiftlets echo around the dark room, an unlikely gold mine for traders in southern Myanmar who are cashing in on rising demand for the edible nests from China's growing middle class.
Dozens of buildings dedicated to the tiny birds have sprung up around Bokpyin in recent years, their grey concrete structures towering over the humbler wooden and brick homes of the town's human inhabitants.
Every morning and evening the air is filled with high-pitched twitterings blasted from loudspeakers that draw thousands of the swallow-like birds home to roost.

[caption id="attachment_4625" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Myanmar's Bird Saliva Nest industry comes home to roost[/caption]

Bird Saliva Nests have become one of the main industries in the town, traditionally known for producing the chewable stimulant betel nut as well as rubber and palm oil.
Traders can charge around $2,000 a viss (equivalent to 1.63 kilogrammes) for the tiny nests — more than the average person in Myanmar earns in a year.
"We started making man-made Bird Saliva Nests (houses) 10 years ago," said Paing Set Aung, who owns one of the buildings where hundreds of swiftlets make their homes in the rafters.
"Initially there was a house where the birds came to roost by themselves. After that, people started to construct man-made bird houses."
Most of the tiny white nests, which are made from solidified Bird Saliva Nest, are sold to neighbouring China.
Long considered the reserve of the country's wealthy elite, who ate them during lavish banquets, they are in increasing demand from middle-class consumers.
TRT World's Denee Savoia reports.

Myanmar's Bird Saliva Nest industry comes home to roost

Exports surge

Myanmar's exports have surged since 2011 — the year the former junta handed over power to a quasi-civilian government.
"Bird Saliva Nests are one of the main businesses in Bokpyin," said local Lin Aung, who built his first house five years ago and is now on his third.
"China is the top buyer of Bird Saliva Nests here."
Once across the border, the nests are transformed into one of the most expensive foods in the world.
When boiled in water they dissolve into a gelatinous gloop which is then made into desserts or drunk as a soup or a tonic that is said to prolong life and improve strength.
There is little peer-reviewed scientific data showing that nests have proven medicinal properties. Nutritional studies have shown the saliva to be mainly made up of protein, followed by carbohydrates.

Caviar of the East

In Shanghai restaurants sell the "the caviar of the East," as it is known, for hundreds of dollars a bowl.
Many of them cater specifically to women, who believe the nests can help smooth the complexion and make them look younger.
The tonic is also said to help during pregnancy — one of Shanghai's high-end spas solely for mothers-to-be even has its own restaurant and sells gift bags for as much as 3900 RMB ($566).
Shoppers can also order the products online, including candied Bird Saliva Nests from Myanmar to be eaten as sweets.
"In China, the Bird Saliva Nest has been a really famous and much-loved traditional tonic since ancient times," Zhang Yi said inside her NestCha restaurant.
"It is mild and a little sweet. It is good for women, the elderly, children and men."

Can I Cook and Serve Bird Saliva Nest for Dinner

While each family members might be in rush while having breakfast, or having lunch outside, then dinner time is mostly becoming a perfect moment to eat and bond together. Everybody has arrived home and rest before spending time sitting around the table to dine. To value this wonderful moment, most parents do not mind spending some time to cook something delicious and healthy, to provide nutritious food for loved ones. The next question is, what to cook for dinner that’s healthy and delicious?

Besides cooking simple dishes containing many sources of vitamins, such as fried rice or noodle, soup, or stir-fried vegetables, one of the tips is to stock some nutritious dried food, like Bird Saliva Nest. We have post some recipes, which most of them is also suitable for dinner.

■ Stewed Bird Saliva Nest with Abalone and Chicken

This recipe is suitable for family dinner reunion, such as in Chinese New Year celebration. Combining abalone and chicken, this Stewed Bird Saliva Nest with Abalone and Chicken becomes a luxurious dish to serve a big family dinner.

■ Bird Saliva Nest with Vegetables

This Bird Saliva Nest with Vegetables can be served either for family dinner, or to boost stamina when somebody is getting sick. The combination of egg, ham, and mushroom can provide multiple vitamins required by our body.

■ Bird Saliva Nest with Winter Melon and Mushroom

This soup can serve as a unique dish for the whole family. Combining the crab, ginger, and winter melon, a Bird Saliva Nest with Winter Melon and Mushroom is definitely something you want to serve up on the table during dinner time.

■ Pumpkin Scallop Bird Saliva Nest Porridge

This porridge is not only for the unwell, but also great to serve on dining table with family or friends. With scallops, pumpkins and Bird Saliva Nest, Pumpkin Scallop Bird Saliva Nest Porridge serves a great health booster for the whole family or friends.

■ Pound Cake With Oranges & Bird Saliva Nest

After all the main course, what can serve better than the fresh and sweet dessert? Composed of the oranges and Bird Saliva Nest, this pound cake will not only satisfy the freshness for the soul, but also the sweetness for the tounge.
In summary, Bird Saliva Nest is totally recommended to serve during dinner due to its high nutritional value. With many ways of cooking to plate up Bird Saliva Nest on the table, it can always offer new ways of eating and enjoying Bird Saliva Nest to provide numerous benefits for the loved ones