What is fake bird's nest made of

Many people have had this experience when buying bird's nests, that is, they spend a high price but buy fake bird's nests. This is mainly because there are too many counterfeit and inferior bird's nests on the market. Some are made from pig skin, and some are just white fungus residue.

1. There are four types of fake bird's nests:

1. Made from pig skin. It is hemispherical, yellow-white, dull, and composed entirely of transparent and irregular particles or filaments in a honeycomb shape. Some are interspersed with variegated hair-like substances, and occasionally very short pig hairs are attached to it. It has no elasticity and breaks when pulled. It becomes loose when soaked in water and has a greasy smell after being left for a long time. Put a small amount on an alcohol lamp and burn it. Sparks will fly, crackling sounds will occur, and there will be black smoke and a burnt smell. The ashes will be black and form lumps.

2. Tremella residue. Fake bird's nest made from Tremella fuciformis residue expands quickly after soaking in water, has poor elasticity and has no bird's nest flavor.

3. Malaysian rubber. The nutrient solution of fake bird's nest made from Malaysian gum tends to produce light brown precipitation.

4. Seaweed gel and fish skin. The fake bird's nest made of seaweed gel and fish skin may look real, but it tastes terrible and has no bird's nest flavor.

2. Identification method

1. Look: Bird's nest should have a filamentous structure. The one composed of pieces is not a real bird's nest. The authentic bird's nest is not completely transparent but translucent whether it is soaked or viewed under the light.

2. Smell: Bird’s nest has a unique fragrance, but no strong odor. If the smell is special, such as fishy or greasy, it is a fake.

3. Touch: Take a small piece of bird's nest and soak it in water. After it becomes soft, take a silk strip and pull it. If it has poor elasticity and breaks easily when pulled, it is a fake. Rub it with your fingers. If it has no elasticity and can be rubbed into a paste, it is also a fake.

4. Burn: Use fire to light the dry bird's nest slices. If it is real bird's nest, there will be no loud noise or flying sparks.