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On the left is a map indicating countries producing the edible type white bird’s nest (Click on Map for a larger picture) The history of bird’s nest consumption can be traced back to China nearly 1,500 years ago during the Tang Dynasty period (A.D. 618-907
It was believed that bird’s nest had been brought back from ‘Nan yang’ (the southern countries), by sea-faring Chinese sailors, and introduced to the courts of the China’s Emperor as a supreme delicacy (food of the Emperor). During that era, only the family of the Emperor and his court officials has the privilege of consuming the highly priced bird’s nest. It was only at the end of the Emperor rule, that the common people were introduced to bird’s nest and the value and demand for bird’s nest has since continued to climb due to its rarity and nutritional properties. Nowadays, the primary target for this product is the Chinese community around the world, with Hong Kong, Mainland China and Taiwan the top consumers followed by Singapore, U.S, Middle East countries and others. Bird’s Nest soup is considered an esteemed cuisine by upper class Chinese families and appreciated for its health benefits, so much so that diners at a certain Hong Kong restaurant are willing to pay almost US$60.00 per bowl for the highest quality bird’s nest soup! Although there is stable demand from the restaurant consumers, the peak season of demand comes during the Chinese New Year period. Gift giving of Bird’s Nest is especially popular during this period as it wishes the recipient good health and longevity of life as well as symbolizing the givers affluence and status in society. Bird’s Nest Soup has been a part of Chinese culture and tradition for hundreds of years. Increasing wealth in the Asian region along with the big increase in price of a bowl of bird’s nest soup has made Swiftlet nests the ‘Caviar of the East’. While it is possible to find substitutes to thicken soup, it will be difficult to take away the allure of Bird’s Nest Soup as a status symbol.
The above is an extract from the Book “Introduction to the Edible Bird’s Nest (of Aerodramus Fuciphagus species) Industry in Asia” written by Adrian Y. which is available at our PRODUCT page.
