Editing Swiftlet (section)

== Culinary use ==
{{main|Bird's nest soup}}

Authentic bird's-nest soup is made from nests of some species of swiftlet, mainly the [[Edible-nest swiftlet|edible-nest]] (or white-nest) swiftlet (''Aerodramus fuciphagus'') and the black-nest swiftlet. Instead of twigs, feathers and straw, these swiftlets make their nest only from strands of their gummy saliva, which hardens when exposed to air. Once the nests are harvested, they are cleaned and sold to restaurants. Eating swiftlet nest material is believed to help maintain skin tone, balance ''[[qi]]'' ("life energy") and reinforce the [[immune system]].<ref name="investvine">{{cite web|url=http://investvine.com/vietnam-seeks-investors-for-edible-birds-nest-industry/|title=Vietnam seeks investors for edible bird's nest industry|first=Arno|last=Maierbrugger|work=Inside Investor|date=20 August 2013|accessdate=20 August 2013}}</ref> It is also believed to strengthen the lungs and prevent coughs{{citation needed|reason=Needs citation|date=September 2016}}, improve the constitution and prolong life{{citation needed|reason=Definitely needs citation|date=September 2016}}. The nutritional value of 100&nbsp;g of dry nest includes 49.9&nbsp;g of water-soluble protein (including amido nitrogen, monoamine nitrogen, non-amino nitrogen, arginine, humin, histidine, lysine and cysteine), 30.6&nbsp;g carbohydrate (glycoprotein and mucin), 4.9&nbsp;g iron, 2.5&nbsp;g inorganic salt (including potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus, silica and other trace elements), and 1.4&nbsp;g fiber (Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The History of Chinese Medicine and the Nutrition Table).

The energy contained in 100&nbsp;g of swiftlet nest is 345&nbsp;[[Calorie|kcal]].  The nests are often served simmered in [[chicken]] broth.

Authentic bird's-nest soup is quite popular throughout Asia. It is also extremely expensive; many western restaurants serve a less expensive version consisting of soup with noodles shaped to resemble a bird's nest.