20+ BEST Ube Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What does ube pair well with? ›

Ube tastes mildly sweet (but sweeter than taro and a sweet potato), with a nutty flavor, and is a bit like a vanilla baked good. That's why it's commonly paired with coconut and white chocolate in desserts.

Due to dwindling local production and the need to meet export demands, ube flavoring and color has become common in the Asian country. Scarcity in supply of the crop has also resulted in high prices.

Ube vs Purple Sweet Potato

Ube is often mistaken for a purple sweet potato because of its violet flesh, but the two are not the same. The difference between ube and purple sweet potato is that ube is a yam instead of a sweet potato.

In Filipino culture, ube is not just a food but also a symbol of Filipino resilience and adaptability. Even during challenging times, the ube plant thrives, much like the Filipino spirit.

Ultimately, "both ube's antioxidant profile and fiber content make it a great addition to an anti-inflammatory diet," Cabrero says.

Taro is high in fiber, vitamins C and E, and potassium. It's also low in fat and calories, making it a great choice for those watching their weight or looking to improve their heart health. Ube, on the other hand, is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Ube is a good source of dietary fiber, which plays a vital role in promoting gut health. Fiber helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, aids in digestion, and may even help regulate blood sugar levels.

With this high demand for ube locally and around the globe, ube farmers and producers can barely keep up. In August 2020, food manufacturer Ramar Foods announced an ube shortage due to demand, climate change, and as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dioscorea alata is a species of yam commonly referred to as purple yam, ube, violet yam, or water yam. This tuberous root vegetable originates from Southeast Asia and is often confused with taro root. An indigenous staple of the Philippines, it's now cultivated and enjoyed worldwide.

How do the Japanese eat purple sweet potatoes? ›

Okinawans typically serve sweet potatoes steamed, which perfectly renders their creamy texture and sweet flavor. The best places to find purple sweet potatoes are Asian markets, but they are also sold through many online grocers.

Is Ube Safe for Dogs? Provided the ube has been properly prepared (boiled or steamed) it is perfectly safe for dogs to eat. Feeding a large amount in one go will likely lead to gastrointestinal upset or discomfort, so don't go too crazy.

FUN UBE FACTS

Ube is more than just a delicious food; it might also be a health juggernaut! Some of the same compounds found in these yummy yams have been shown to reduce the growth of human cancer cells.

Native to Southeast Asia, ube is a purple yam whose glimmering purple center, mild, sweet flavor, and coconut-like aroma have made it a popular ingredient in traditional Filipino sweets.

Pandesal brings comfort and familiarity during the rush of the day. Even more so when you have your cup of hot coffee or chocolate to enjoy your warm and soft pandesal with – it's always a great way to kickstart your day!

Ube halaya, or ube jam, is often used in desserts like halo-halo (Filipino shaved ice) or added to pies and ice cream, which you can often find at Purple Yam. Besa's husband, Romy Dorotan, who's also the restaurant's chef, adds ube powder to lumpia (spring rolls) and pandesal (traditional Filipino rolls).

The spread is a great substitute for maple syrup on any type of pancakes, and works as a sweet waffle or French toast topper as well. Add some homemade whipped cream and sliced fruit for a really decadent meal.

At this stage, ube halaya can be eaten by itself or added to other recipes to provide ube flavor. This process may sound time-consuming, but the resulting color and flavor demonstrate how rewarding your patience can be when cooking ube-based dishes.

This decadent cheesecake combines the sweetness of ube with the creaminess of SKIPPY^® Peanut Butter. Topped with PLANTERS^® Pistachios and Macadamia nuts and coconut whipped cream, this colorful dessert will be an instant favorite.