Whether the steamed bird's nest is delicious or not depends not only on the nest itself but also on the additional ingredients: red dates, lotus seeds, rock sugar, goji berries... Low-quality ingredients can make the dish smell unpleasant, overly sweet, or even unsafe. This article guides how to select, prepare, and store each type. This is general food guidance; if you have allergies or need to control blood sugar, consult your doctor.

Red Dates (Jujube)

  • Choose: dried fruit, naturally dark red color, uniform, slightly fragrant; avoid overly shiny fruit, with a harsh smell or sticky to the touch.
  • Signs to avoid: mold spots, unusual smell, insects, unusually bright red color.
  • Preparation: wash clean, soak for a few minutes, optionally cut in half and remove seeds for easier eating.
  • Storage: dry place, in a sealed container.

Lotus Seeds

  • Choose: dry seeds, natural ivory color, no mold, no strange smell; fresh seeds should be new, not slimy.
  • Preparation: soak in warm water, remove the lotus seed core (the core usually causes a bitter taste), steam or boil until soft before double-boiling with bird's nest. See double-boiled bird's nest with red date and lotus seed.
  • Careful: lotus seeds treated with chemicals may appear unusually white; prioritize reputable sellers.

Rock sugar

  • Selection: clear or ivory crystals, clean, without impurities; avoid ones with strange smells or that are damp and clumped.
  • Usage: moderate amount; start with a little then add more so it is not overly sweet and does not overpower the taste of bird’s nest. See why bird’s nest is not sweet.
  • Note: people who need to control their blood sugar should ask a doctor, see low-sugar steamed bird's nest.

Goji berries

  • Choose: naturally red-orange dried fruit, not too fresh, no strong odor; avoid unnaturally bright red types.
  • Prepare: rinse quickly, soak in warm water for a few minutes; add near the end when steaming.
  • Note: not suitable for everyone; consult a doctor if you are on medication or have underlying health conditions.

Longan and other ingredients

  • Dried longan: choose naturally light-colored threads/slices, dry, fragrant; avoid moldy ones.
  • Ginger, pandan leaves, coconut water: use fresh, clean; see coconut water and ginger bird’s nest recipes.
  • Chia seeds: soak until expanded before use; see bird’s nest with chia seeds.

General principle

  1. Buy from reputable sources, within expiration date, with sealed packaging.
  2. Smell and inspect: unusual smell, mold, or sliminess are signs to discard.
  3. Clean and cook ingredients that need to be cooked in advance.
  4. Do not use additives to "mask" any problems with the bird's nest; if the nest has an unusual smell, discard it, see identifying spoiled bird's nest.
  5. Store dry additives in a dry place, in a sealed container, away from moisture sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can additives be omitted, and only the bird's nest be cooked with sugar?

Yes; additives are only for flavoring. See bird's nest usage handbook.

Do additives make the dessert much sweeter?

Possibly; red dates, longan, and goji berries are all sweet, so reduce rock sugar if using a lot of additives.

Related articles: guide to using bird's nest · preserving bird's nest · distinguishing real and fake bird's nest · safely buying bird's nest online.

Note: Bird's nest is a food, not medicine, and does not have the effect of replacing medicine for treating diseases. The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace advice from doctors or nutrition experts. People with a history of food allergies, those undergoing treatment, or those who need to control blood sugar should consult a doctor before use. Individual responses may vary.

You can view Yến Sào Quang Minh's bird's nest products or call the Hotline 0963 11 59 52 (Ms La), message Zalo to get answers about product specifications.