20+ BEST Ube Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What flavor pairs well with ube? ›

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.

Fresh ube. Ube is rarely imported as a fresh tuber in North America, but can sometimes be found fresh in the produce sections of Asian grocery stores.

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.

Generally, ube is sweeter than taro. It contains much more natural sugar, and its softer texture makes it taste sweeter in your mouth. However, both ube and taro usually have plenty of sugar added to them when used in desserts.

Ube (pronounced ooh-beh) is a purple yam from the Philippines with a mild, sweet flavor. The taste has been described as slightly nutty, or as a cross between vanilla and pistachio. It is frequently incorporated into desserts in Filipino cuisine with ube ice cream being one of the most popular preparations.

The bottom line

Purple yams are an incredibly nutritious starchy root vegetable. Their powerful antioxidants may help reduce your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. They are tasty and versatile with a vibrant color, making them an exciting ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes.

“Resistant starch can act as a great prebiotic fiber," says Cabrero. "Prebiotics help healthy bacteria in the gut flourish and protect our immune system.” Ultimately, "both ube's antioxidant profile and fiber content make it a great addition to an anti-inflammatory diet," Cabrero says.

Dioscorea alata – also called purple yam, ube (/ˈuːbɛ, -beɪ/), or greater yam, among many other names – is a species of yam (a tuber).

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.

What culture is ube from? ›

Ube (Purple Yam): A Historical Staple

Ube, scientifically known as Dioscorea alata, has a long history in the Philippines, dating back to pre-colonial times. It is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia and has been cultivated in the Philippines for centuries.

You don't really taste the ube, but it's really buttery and really caramely. If you just treat this as a caramel spread, that's actually really delicious. because it's really sweet, so it goes well on a bread. This is still very delicious.

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.

The distinct ube flavor is slightly nutty with a hint of vanilla. It has a coconut-like aroma that lends itself well to dessert items. Ube is most often boiled, mashed, and mixed with condensed milk to bring out its sweetness.

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.

What truly sets ube ice cream apart is its seamless pairing with other beloved Filipino flavors like macapuno and pinipig. Macapuno, also known as coconut sport, is the soft, chewy flesh of the coconut that enhances the creaminess of the ice cream, adding another layer of flavor complexity.

While ube is used in both sweet and savory dishes, Besa said that it's primarily used in sweet recipes. 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.

If you're a fan of bubble tea, you might be wondering which ingredient - taro or ube - is a better choice for your drink. While both ingredients can be used to create delicious and creamy bubble tea, ube's distinct and sweeter flavor profile might be more appealing to those with a sweet tooth.

Ube Has A Thicker And More Moist Texture

Both ube and purple sweet potatoes are also subtly sweet with an earthy and nutty taste that pairs excellently with other sweet flavors like chocolate, milk, coconut, and vanilla, as well as tea and coffee.