Buzz
Lately, it feels like violet-colored desserts are everywhere online. Purple ice cream, brownies, and macarons—sometimes all mixed together—are making waves in food photography. This stunning shade comes from a single ingredient: ube (pronounced ooh-beh). But what is ube, and why is it suddenly so adored?
What exactly is ube?
Ube, which translates to 'tuber' in Tagalog, is a purple yam that hails from the Philippines. It differs from the purple sweet potato in flavor, offering a sweeter, milder taste. Often used in Filipino desserts, ube is typically boiled and mashed with condensed milk to create a creamy, flavorful treat.
What does ube taste like?
Ube offers a distinct taste unlike any other root vegetable. Its flavor is often described as sweet and mild, with a hint of vanilla and a subtle nuttiness. Less starchy than traditional yams, it pairs beautifully with ingredients like condensed milk, enhancing its sweetness and creating a rich, creamy texture.
What sets ube apart from taro and purple sweet potato?
Although ube, taro, and purple sweet potato share a similar appearance, they each have unique characteristics. Ube’s sweet, vanilla-like flavor makes it a favorite in desserts, while taro, which is often mistaken for ube due to its texture, is typically used in savory dishes. Taro has a softer, nutty taste, but it isn’t naturally purple. The purple sweet potato is denser and drier, with a more earthy sweetness, and is usually enjoyed in savory dishes, often roasted or baked.
Is ube a healthy choice?
While ube and taro are often confused due to their similarities, they are distinct in their uses. Taro is mainly used in savory dishes, whereas ube, though it can be seasoned with savory spices, is predominantly enjoyed in sweet treats.
Ube shares a similar nutritional profile with the classic sweet potato, offering a healthy mix of carbohydrates, vitamins, and fiber. The purple variety has also recently been shown to have exceptionally high levels of antioxidants that contribute to overall well-being. However, this doesn't mean you should indulge in ube-centered desserts without caution. The health benefits of ube are often outweighed by the additional sugar and fat commonly found in desserts. So, enjoy ube-flavored treats in moderation, just as you would any other sweet indulgence.
Ube in Popular Culture
Although ube has been a staple in Filipino cuisine for years, appearing in dishes like cakes, puddings, flan, and cheesecake, its popularity in mainstream U.S. culture is a more recent development. One of the earliest adopters was Manila Social Club in New York, which introduced ube doughnuts in 2016. Since then, restaurants and bakeries across the country have come up with creative ways to feature this colorful root vegetable in their desserts.
It's safe to say the rise of ube's popularity is heavily influenced by its visual appeal, especially in a social media-driven world. But don't let its aesthetic fool you; ube is also delicious. With the growing availability of ube-flavored products, including Trader Joe's ube ice cream, this vibrant flavor is here to stay.
How to Use Ube in Your Cooking
Ube is an incredibly adaptable ingredient, suitable for a wide range of dishes. While it's most often used in desserts like ice cream, cakes, and jams, you can also explore its potential in savory meals. To get started, boil or steam the purple yam until it becomes soft, then mash it to use in sweet treats or as a savory side. You can even mix ube into pancake or waffle batter, or incorporate it into bread dough for a unique twist on familiar recipes. For a burst of flavor and color, stir ube puree into your oatmeal or smoothies.
