Ube

What is Ube?

Ube, meaning tuber in Tagalog, is a purple yam originally from the Philippines. Unlike the purple sweet potato, ube has a sweeter, more mellow taste with subtle hints of vanilla and a nutty undertone. This unique flavor and vibrant color make ube a standout ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. While ube has been a staple in Filipino cuisine for a long time, it has recently gained popularity in the United States, thanks to its delicious taste and eye-catching appearance.

Benefits

Ube offers several benefits that set it apart from other root vegetables. Its unique taste and vibrant color make it a versatile ingredient in various dishes. Ube is less starchy than other root vegetables, making it suitable for both sweet and savory recipes. Its mild, sweet flavor with hints of vanilla and nuttiness adds a delightful twist to desserts and savory meals alike. Additionally, ube's striking purple color makes dishes visually appealing, perfect for those who love to share their culinary creations on social media.

Use Cases

Ube is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. It is most commonly found in desserts like ice cream, cakes, puddings, flan, and jams. However, its mild flavor and creamy texture make it a great addition to savory dishes as well. To incorporate ube into your cooking, you can start by boiling or steaming the purple yam until it becomes tender. Then, mash it for use in desserts or as a base for savory dishes. Ube can be found in many Asian grocery stores and even in some mainstream stores like Trader Joe's, which offers ube-forward items such as ube pretzels and ube tea cookies.

Availability

Ube is primarily grown in the Philippines and is typically more expensive to buy than similar foods due to limited supply and the need for importation to the United States. However, its growing popularity means that more stores are starting to stock ube and ube products, making it more accessible to a wider audience.