Swiftlet dictionary: explains common terms, from commercial swiftlets, island bird's nest, raw swiftlets to cleaned swiftlets, red swiftlets.

When learning about bird's nests, you will encounter many technical terms or colloquial names. Understanding them correctly helps you read labels, communicate with sellers, and avoid confusion. The article is a short dictionary, arranged by groups. Some names differ between establishments, so if you come across an unfamiliar term, ask the seller for their definition.

Types of nests and origins

Edible bird's nest: commonly used name for swiftlets that produce edible nests in Vietnam.
Island bird's nest: a swiftlet that nests in natural cave islands.
Mainland bird's nest (swiftlet house): swiftlets that build nests in houses constructed by humans. See distinguishing island bird's nest and Mainland bird's nest (swiftlet house).
Bird house: a structure for swiftlets to make nests.
Blood swiftlet: nests are red/orange; see what blood swiftlet is.

Groups of types of nests and processing levels

Raw nest: not thoroughly cleaned.
Refined nest / feather-extracted nest: feathers and impurities removed.
Whole nest / nest: retains nest shape.
String nest: nest separated into strands.
Broken nest: small broken pieces.
Nest base: the part of the nest attached to the wall.
Pressed nest / cake nest: strands shaped into blocks; check ingredients.

Details in the article on types of bird's nests.

Processing and preparation group

Soaking: let the nest absorb water and soften before steaming.
Picking feathers: remove feathers and impurities with tweezers.
Steaming: place the nest bowl in water and cook gently over low heat.
Simmering / braising: cook long with other ingredients like chicken.
Ready-to-eat bird's nest: processed dish packed in jars.
Rock sugar: crystallized sugar, commonly used to sweeten bird's nest dishes.

Storage and safety group

Expiration date: the period the manufacturer guarantees if stored properly.
Moisture-absorbing packet: food-grade desiccant; do not eat.
Mold / mildew: signs of spoilage, see how to identify spoiled bird's nest.
Testing: analyzing samples in the laboratory, see how to read test reports.
Traceability: the ability to know where the product comes from and through which steps.
Allergy: an excessive reaction of the immune system to a substance, see bird's nest and allergies.

Buying and selling group

Net weight: weight of the product excluding packaging.
Price per gram: the price of the box divided by the weight of dry bird's nest, see why bird's nest prices vary.
Dealer / wholesale: buying in large quantities to resell, see dealer cooperation.
Loss: the portion of weight removed when cleaning raw bird's nest.
Label: information printed on the product packaging.

Tips when encountering unfamiliar terms

Ask the seller for a simple verbal definition.
Compared to the profile and label; advertising words like "premium", "special" have no legal meaning.
Compare with the guides on this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are "bird's nest" and "edible bird's nest" different?

In daily life, the two terms are often used interchangeably to refer to products made from swiftlet nests; "edible bird's nest" emphasizes that the raw material is the nest itself.

Is there a standard for these names?

There is no universal standard applied to all sellers; please ask clearly.

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.