Swiftlet’s nest is a popular food ingredient that has many health benefits. Before processing it, it is best to clean the Swiftlet’s nest first.
Cleaning the Swiftlet’s nest before processing it is very important. This is because the Swiftlet’s nest usually still contains dirt or residues from the environment where the swiftlet lives. Here are some tips for properly cleaning the Swiftlet’s nest:
1. Soak in Cold Water
The first step in cleaning the Swiftlet’s nest is to soak it in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This is to soften the nest and help lift the dirt that sticks to it.
2. Rinse with Clean Water
After soaking for 30 minutes, rinse the Swiftlet’s nest with clean water. Use a gentle water flow to rinse the Swiftlet’s nest until it is clean.
3. Wash with Warm Water
After rinsing with clean water, continue to wash the Swiftlet’s nest using warm water. Make sure the water temperature is not too hot, as water that is too hot can damage the quality of the Swiftlet’s nest.
If you want to soak the Swiftlet’s nest in hot water, the recommended soaking time is around 30 minutes to 1 hour. The soaking can be done using clean water that has been heated to a temperature of around 60-70 degrees Celsius.
Soaking the Swiftlet’s nest in hot water can help clean and remove dirt and dust that stick to the nest. However, it should be noted that not all types of Swiftlet’s nests can be soaked in hot water. High-quality Swiftlet’s nests should not be soaked in hot water as it can damage the structure and quality of the nest.
4. Avoid Using Soap or Detergent
Avoid using soap or detergent when washing the Swiftlet’s nest, as these materials can damage the quality of the Swiftlet’s nest and reduce its benefits.
5. Rinse Until Clean
After washing with warm water, rinse the Swiftlet’s nest until clean with cold water. Make sure there are no remnants of soap or detergent left on the nest.
6. Dry
After washing and rinsing the Swiftlet’s nest, dry it by placing it in a place exposed to direct sunlight or using a gentle dryer. Make sure the Swiftlet’s nest is completely dry before storing or processing.
Can Swiftlet’s Nest Expire?
Swiftlet’s nest is a natural product produced from the saliva of Swiftlet, and like other natural products, it can also expire. Expiration in Swiftlet’s nest occurs when the nest undergoes physical changes, such as unusual colors and smells, or when there is mold growing inside. Therefore, it is very important to check Swiftlet’s nest before consuming it.
However, because Swiftlet’s nest is a dry product and not easily contaminated by bacteria or mold, it has a relatively long shelf life, which is around 2 to 3 years if stored properly. To extend the shelf life of Swiftlet’s nest, it is recommended to store it in a dry, cool place, and away from direct sunlight.
It is important to remember that although Swiftlet’s nest is not easily contaminated by bacteria or mold, if the nest has expired, consuming it can still cause food poisoning or digestive problems. Therefore, always make sure to check the expiration date before consuming Swiftlet’s nest and dispose of it if it has passed the expiration date.