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.

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.

Ube and yummy sweet strawberries together are a yummy combination.

“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.

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 there an ube shortage? ›

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 (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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

Both root vegetables have a natural earthiness to them; however, where purple sweet potatoes are mildly sweet and sometimes even floral, ube tends to be richer in flavor — not just sweet, but also nutty with almost a vanilla flavor to them.

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.