1. CLASSIFICATION OF EDIBLE BIRD'S NEST BY ORIGIN
Wild/Cave Nest
Two common species that live in caves are the Fuciphaga (commonly known as cave swiftlets) and the Maxima (black-nest swiftlets). However, only the nest type from the cave swiftlets is known as Wild/Cave Nest in the market. The dangerous nature of harvesting nests from caves may be why this type of nest typically commands the highest price compared to other types of nests on the market. Cave nests, under natural conditions within caves, often resemble a cup in shape, with a thick body and hard base. The cup-like shape helps protect the eggs or young swiftlets from predators and weather. The base of the nest needs to be hard to adhere firmly to the cave walls, as caves are often humid. This type of nest is found in Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
House Nest
The Moss Nest from the Esculanta species is a common type found in birdhouses. Raising swiftlets requires a significant investment, a long time to attract the birds, and especially, the birds cannot be fed with artificial food due to their evolved nature with reduced legs, only able to catch flying insects. Depending on the color of the nest, weather, and insect availability (swiftlets' food), the nest can be harvested 1-4 times a year.
The practice of raising swiftlets indoors began in 2004 after the Hoang Yen Eka Bird's Nest Center successfully built the first birdhouse in Tan Tai Ward, Phan Rang City.
2. CLASSIFICATION BY COLOR
The reason why bird's nests have different colors remains a topic of debate. According to Vietnamese folklore, it is believed that older swiftlets or those in a season of scarce food mix their blood with saliva to build their nests. This accounts for the red or pink color and the less expanded nature of Blood Nest compared to White Nest. However, theories about the temperature, humidity, or food affecting the creation of Blood Nest are still being studied. Additionally, White Nests built on red rock faces can absorb leachate from rock crevices, also resulting in the red color of the nest. Nevertheless, these types of Blood Nest expand to the same extent as White Nest when soaked in water (i.e., 7 – 9 times).
Blood Nest
This type of nest has a bright red color and is the most expensive due to its rarity and high demand. Not all producers have this type of nest, and if they do, it can only be harvested 1-2 times a year in very small proportions. Blood and Pink Nests together account for less than 10% of the total global market volume of bird's nests.
Pink Nest
Similar to the Blood Nest in terms of price and rarity, Pink Nest has a peach color, but the color can vary from tangerine to egg yolk yellow. The darker the color, the higher the price.
White Nest
White Nest is the most common type of bird's nest on the market. It can be harvested 3-4 times a year. White Nests (including all three swiftlet species mentioned above) account for about 90% of the total volume of bird's nests sold globally.
3. VIETNAMESE FOLK CLASSIFICATION
The trade of harvesting bird's nests in Vietnam has been around for hundreds of years and significantly contributes to the income of localities blessed with this natural resource. Professional bird's nest harvesters and traders typically differentiate by grades such as:
4. NUTRINEST CLASSIFICATION
Since each of the above classifications does not accurately quantify product standards, NUTRINEST has researched and produced pure bird's nest products