< Instructions for Properly Processing Blood Bird’s Nest to Retain All Nutrients Blood bird’s nest is a premium, highly nutritious delicacy that offers numerous health benefits. To ensure the preservation of its nutrients, the processing and cooking methods must be handled carefully. Below is a detailed guide with steps to properly prepare and cook blood bird’s nest: 1. Preparing & Cleaning the Bird’s Nest Inspect the bird’s nest: First, check for impurities like feathers, dust, or sand and remove them. Soak in cool water: Place the bird’s nest in a bowl with filtered water and soak for 2-3 hours until it becomes soft. Avoid using hot water as high temperatures can destroy its nutrients. Gently rinse: Once softened, use your hands or tweezers to remove any remaining impurities. Be gentle to avoid breaking the delicate strands. Drain and rinse again: After cleaning, rinse the bird’s nest one more time with filtered water to ensure it is completely clean. 2. Soaking & Separating the Strands Continue soaking if necessary: If the bird’s nest hasn’t softened enough, soak for an additional 1-2 hours. Change the water periodically to keep it clean. Lightly separate the strands: Once fully softened, gently separate the bird’s nest strands with your fingers, being careful not to damage their structure. 3. Cooking the Bird’s Nest Using the Double-Boil Method Double-boiling method: This is the best way to retain the nutrients in the bird’s nest. Place the cleaned bird’s nest into a bowl, add enough filtered water to cover it, and then place the bowl into a larger pot with water for double-boiling. Add rock sugar (optional): After about 20-30 minutes of steaming, you can add rock sugar for a mild sweetness if desired. However, add the sugar later in the process to avoid affecting the texture. Steam for 45-60 minutes: Continue steaming until the bird’s nest becomes soft and gelatinous but not overly mushy. Properly cooked bird’s nest should have a smooth and slightly chewy texture. Avoid overcooking: Cooking for too long will break down the bird’s nest structure, leading to nutrient loss. 4. Cooling & Storing Allow to cool naturally: After steaming, let the bird’s nest cool to room temperature before serving or storing. Refrigerate if needed: If not consumed immediately, store the bird’s nest in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 5-7 days. Tips to Retain Nutrients Do not soak in hot water: Hot water can destroy proteins and essential nutrients in the bird’s nest. Avoid direct boiling: Boiling at high temperatures can degrade the nutritional value and alter the texture. Steaming at a low temperature is ideal. Use purified water: To keep the bird’s nest pure and free from contaminants, always use filtered water during every step. Serving Suggestions Bird’s nest can be enjoyed on its own or combined with ingredients like red dates, goji berries, or coconut water to enhance the flavor and nutritional benefits.