Bird's Nest Knowledge
Cave Nest vs House Nest - Its Time To Know The Difference
Bird’s nests are in demand not just locally but the world over, with more and more people recognising the nutritional benefits of this wondrous delicacy from nature. The White-nest Swiftlet (Aerodamus fuciphagus) and Black-nest Swiftlet (Aerodamus maximus) are the two main producers of edible bird’s nests. Nests made by White-nest Swiftlets comprise 70-80% salivary excretion and 20-30% feathers/ impurities, whilst the reverse is true for Black-nest Swiftlets, i.e. 20- 30% salivary excretion and 70-80% feathers/impurities.
Historically, bird’s nests have been typically harvested from limestone caves such as Gomantong and Niah. These are commonly known as cave nests. Cave nests tend to contain higher levels of impurities compared to house nests as they are exposed to the influence of external environment surroundings. Harvesting cave nests is also a high-risk profession as workers have to climb to dangerous heights and hang precariously from vertical cave walls while collecting the prized nests.
“House nests contains lesser amounts of impurities, dirt, feathers and the shapes and quality produced tend to be more consistent compared to those harvested from caves.”
House nests, on the other hand, present a more hygienic way of producing bird’s nests. To cater to the ever-growing demand of this delicacy, many old buildings, usually located away from residential areas, have been converted into swiftlet farm houses to increase the nesting area for swiftlets. Nowadays, many swiftlet farms are specifically-designed buildings in well-forested surroundings and utilise modern techniques to mimic the natural cave habitat of swiftlets, such as dark interiors with the optimum temperature and humidity. The calling sounds used in swiftlet houses are also designed to attract only White-nest swiftlets, which produce cleaner nests. The swiftlets are free to enter and leave the structure anytime to seek for food and water.
Therefore, they are feeding naturally on insects and fruits just as cave swiftlets do. The harvesting process is also much safer as workers are also able to collect bird’s nest conveniently from the nesting surfaces which are typically located no more than 10 feet from the ground.
Using a cleaner, more controlled environment yet just as natural, house nests are becoming a more obvious choice for consumers as these nests contain lesser amounts of impurities, dirt, feathers and the shape and quality produced tend to be more consistent as compared to those harvested from caves.
To ensure the highest food safety and quality standards are met, SunshineNest® bird’s nests are produced in swiftlet houses under strict supervision and control, from which the finest raw materials that meet our exacting standards and criteria are selected. Consumers will also be glad to know that, SunshineNest® has not only achieved VHM (Veterinary Health Mark) accreditation from the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia, but also been obtained Halal and dual-HACCP certification.
Why take the risk with cave nests when you can safely enjoy SunshineNest® 100% pure bird’s nests from properly maintained and hygienic swiftlet farms?
Bird’s nests are in demand not just locally but the world over, with more and more people recognising the nutritional benefits of this wondrous delicacy from nature. The White-nest Swiftlet (Aerodamus fuciphagus) and Black-nest Swiftlet (Aerodamus maximus) are the two main producers of edible bird’s nests. Nests made by White-nest Swiftlets comprise 70-80% salivary excretion and 20-30% feathers/ impurities, whilst the reverse is true for Black-nest Swiftlets, i.e. 20- 30% salivary excretion and 70-80% feathers/impurities.
˄ House nests comprise lesser amount of impurities
Historically, bird’s nests have been typically harvested from limestone caves such as Gomantong and Niah. These are commonly known as cave nests. Cave nests tend to contain higher levels of impurities compared to house nests as they are exposed to the influence of external environment surroundings. Harvesting cave nests is also a high-risk profession as workers have to climb to dangerous heights and hang precariously from vertical cave walls while collecting the prized nests.
˄ Equiped with the latest technology to stimulate cave conditions.
“House nests contains lesser amounts of impurities, dirt, feathers and the shapes and quality produced tend to be more consistent compared to those harvested from caves.”
House nests, on the other hand, present a more hygienic way of producing bird’s nests. To cater to the ever-growing demand of this delicacy, many old buildings, usually located away from residential areas, have been converted into swiftlet farm houses to increase the nesting area for swiftlets. Nowadays, many swiftlet farms are specifically-designed buildings in well-forested surroundings and utilise modern techniques to mimic the natural cave habitat of swiftlets, such as dark interiors with the optimum temperature and humidity. The calling sounds used in swiftlet houses are also designed to attract only White-nest swiftlets, which produce cleaner nests. The swiftlets are free to enter and leave the structure anytime to seek for food and water.
˄ SunshineNest® - A fully integrated bird’s nest producer.
Therefore, they are feeding naturally on insects and fruits just as cave swiftlets do. The harvesting process is also much safer as workers are also able to collect bird’s nest conveniently from the nesting surfaces which are typically located no more than 10 feet from the ground.
Using a cleaner, more controlled environment yet just as natural, house nests are becoming a more obvious choice for consumers as these nests contain lesser amounts of impurities, dirt, feathers and the shape and quality produced tend to be more consistent as compared to those harvested from caves.
To ensure the highest food safety and quality standards are met, SunshineNest® bird’s nests are produced in swiftlet houses under strict supervision and control, from which the finest raw materials that meet our exacting standards and criteria are selected. Consumers will also be glad to know that, SunshineNest® has not only achieved VHM (Veterinary Health Mark) accreditation from the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia, but also been obtained Halal and dual-HACCP certification.
Why take the risk with cave nests when you can safely enjoy SunshineNest® 100% pure bird’s nests from properly maintained and hygienic swiftlet farms?
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