Edible bird's nest 'factories' boom in Borneo

Solidified saliva of white-nest swiftlet helps delicacy fetch sky-high prices

20210401 NestMain

The whiter the bird's nest, and the fewer impurities, the higher the price. (Photo by Tommy Chen)

IAN LLOYD NEUBAUER, Contributing writer

SANGGUA, West Kalimantan, Indonesia -- Made from the solidified saliva of white-nest swiftlets, the edible bird's nest has been a part of Chinese cookery for 1,200 years. Soaked in boiling water to make a hearty gelatinous soup with broth or sugar, the flavorless ingredient is prized by connoisseurs for its alleged health benefits.

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