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.

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.

The main differences between taro and ube are their origin, the shape and color of their roots, and their flavor and traditional uses. Taro is native to Southeast Asia and has white or light purple roots, while ube (also known as purple yam) is native to the Philippines and has purple roots.

Loaded with anthocyanins, beta carotene, protein, and vitamin C, purple yams possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.

If using a whole fresh ube, peel the ube, cut into cubes, boil until they are tender, and then mash if needed.

Nutritional Value

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.

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.

The flavonoids in purple yams have been shown to help lower blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes. Obesity and inflammation caused by oxidative stress increase your risk of insulin resistance, poor blood sugar control, and type 2 diabetes ( 18 ).

Ube is Tagalog – the national language of the Philippines – for the purple yam native to Southeast Asia that has since been naturalized in South America, Africa, Australia, and the southeastern United States. It is also known as the “winged” or “water” yam in English.

Is ube Japanese or Filipino? ›

Ube, meaning tuber in Tagalog, is a purple yam originally from the Philippines. Different than the purple sweet potato, it has an even sweeter, more mellow taste than its orange relative.

Ube is in the Dioscorea family, while taro is in Araceaa. Taro is called gabi in Tagalog. Both ube and taro are grown in the Philippines, but ube is commonly used in sweet treats, while taro is used in more savory Filipino dishes, like Laing and Sinigang.

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.

Ube is very similar to Okinawan sweet potato (which is actually native to the United States) — both have the same color skin (though some Okinawan sweet potatoes have light-colored skin) and a bright purple flesh, but ube tend to have darker skin.

Like other veggies, ube is good for you because it's packed with nutrients. In fact, ube gets its bright purple color from anthocyanins, a group of powerful antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and the risk of certain cancers, according to past research (PDF).

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).

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.

The Allure of Ube

Its sweet, nutty, and subtly floral notes make it an ideal choice for both sweet and savory creations. As consumers increasingly seek novel and visually appealing experiences in their food, Ube fits the bill perfectly.

You can use Ube Halaya as a dip for fruits, spread it on toast, or mix it into oatmeal or smoothie bowls for a unique and delicious twist. Are there any traditional Filipino dishes that pair well with Ube Halaya? Ube Halaya is often served alongside other Filipino desserts such as leche flan or halo-halo.