Edible bird’s nest is a highly nutritious food. Its properties can cure various diseases, including severe illnesses like cancer. This health benefit gives the bird’s nest a high market value. To obtain premium quality, you must ensure that you consume an authentic product. Knowing the difference between a real vs fake bird’s nest is crucial for buyers.
A genuine, high-quality bird’s nest features an ivory or cotton-white color. It usually comes in a bowl, oval, or triangle shape. However, irresponsible sellers often distribute counterfeit products. Manufacturers create these fake nests using various materials, typically mixing seaweed with bird feces, pig skin, and mushrooms.
6 Factors to Identify a Real vs Fake Bird’s Nest
It is not too difficult to differentiate the authentic products from the synthetic ones. You can review the following six factors to clearly identify a real vs fake bird’s nest:
1. Transparency of a Real vs Fake Bird’s Nest
Look closely at the nest. A genuine nest will appear clear or translucent when you hold it up to a light source. Conversely, a counterfeit nest looks pure white or opaque. This happens because manufacturers use chemicals to produce the fake ones.
2. Fragility Differences
In a dry condition, an authentic nest is very fragile. If you crush it with your hands, it will break down into a fine powder. A synthetic nest, however, will break into large chunks when you crush it.
3. Smell Test
An original nest emits a natural, slightly raw, and fishy aroma. In contrast, a synthetic nest smells heavily of plastic and medicine.
4. The Soaking Method for a Real vs Fake Bird’s Nest
This factor is perhaps the easiest way to differentiate them. Soak the nest in water for 1 to 2 hours, then observe the changes. An authentic nest will expand to twice its original size. A counterfeit nest will retain its original size.
5. Water Color After Soaking
When you soak a genuine nest, the water remains clear and transparent. A synthetic nest will change the color of the water. This discoloration occurs because sellers add chemical whitening agents to increase the selling price.
6. Bubbles and Foam
Since the original nest consists of swiftlet saliva, it dissolves well in water. If you stir a soaked authentic nest, it will produce air bubbles or foam on the surface while the water stays clear. A fake nest will turn the water cloudy and produce no bubbles. Explore our genuine product processing methods by visiting Our Products.
Buy a Real Bird’s Nest from a Trusted Company
As a buyer, you must remain cautious to ensure you get genuine, high-quality products. PT Masafante Indowalet is a highly trusted company that produces premium bird’s nests. We received the Anugerah Citra Indonesia award as “The Best Quality Swallow Nest Company of the Year” in 2019, 2020, and 2023.
If you are looking to source high-quality edible bird’s nests, please contact our team to discuss your needs, or reach us directly at +62 819 9736 9234 (WA/Phone) and marketing@masindowalet.com.