You need to buy bird's nest but are unsure which product is right for you. The article below will share how to tell raw bird's nest, refined bird's nest and pre-processed bird's nest apart, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each type, to help you choose easily and suitably.
Raw bird's nest
This is the purest kind of bird's nest, with the feathers still in and impurities not yet fully removed. Raw bird's nest is harvested directly and packaged as a finished product.
How to recognize it: Raw bird's nest is very easy to recognize, with small black feathers mixed inside. The nest cup is thin yet feels heavy in the hand, the strands are tight and it has the characteristic aroma of bird's nest.
Advantages: 100% pure bird's nest, hard to counterfeit. It has a natural aroma. When steamed, the strands expand 4 - 5 times, and are crisp and rich in nutrients. Among the 3 types above, raw bird's nest is mid-priced.
Disadvantages: Because it has not been processed, the nest still has a lot of feathers. So you will spend time picking out the feathers, and this type is not suitable for people who do not have much time.
Pre-processed bird's nest
This is the highest-quality type, made from raw bird's nest with feathers removed by hand-picking.
How to recognize it: Pre-processed bird's nest is white, with no feathers or impurities. The nest cup is thin yet feels heavy in the hand, and the strands are smooth and glossy.
Advantages: Pre-processed bird's nest is cleaned of up to 99% of feathers and dirty impurities. It retains the high nutrient content and the characteristics of raw bird's nest. It is convenient to use because it only needs a quick soak and rinse before it is ready.
Disadvantages: Because the feathers are removed by hand, it takes a great deal of time and effort. Therefore, the price of pre-processed bird's nest is usually much higher than that of raw bird's nest.
Pre-processed bird's nest is suitable for everyone and is recommended for children and people who have just recovered from illness.
Refined bird's nest
This is a type of bird's nest that has been processed: broken nests (from harvesting or from removing feathers when making pre-processed bird's nest) are soaked in water and all feathers and impurities are removed. Moulds are used to reshape the fresh strands. After being shaped, the nest cups are sent to a drying system.
How to recognize it: Refined bird's nest is usually moulded to look like pre-processed nest cups, is opaque white and has no impurities. The nest cup feels light in the hand and spongy, and the strands are coarse and bumpy.
Advantages: Refined bird's nest has been thoroughly cleaned, so it is very convenient to use. The nest cups come in many eye-catching shapes. The price of refined bird's nest is much lower than that of pre-processed bird's nest. Being convenient and affordable, it suits people with average incomes, and those who want to improve their beauty and health.
Disadvantages: Because it has been processed and cleaned, many people take advantage of this to mix in impurities.
To buy bird's nest you can trust, you should choose reputable, long-established brands such as Yến Sào Sài Gòn. Yến Sào Sài Gòn guarantees its products with 4 NOs (no additives, no preservatives, no bleaching agents, no mixed-in impurities).