Have you heard about Ube? Ube (pronounced “oo-beh”), also known as Dioscorea plata, is a species of yam heralding from the Philippines. It is not however, your run-of-the mill yam; its purple colour lends itself to one of the most recent trends in coffees and deserts. Read on to learn more and discover where to try it!
A Filipino originated ingredient
Typically, ube is grown in warm or tropical climates, with ample rainfall and sunlight, ideally between 25-30°C. Sections of large, healthy ube, called tubers, are cut up and planted into rich, fertile soil, in a process called vegetative propagation. This method creates clones of the parent plant, meaning it shares identical genetic material with the new ube plant. Farmers can use this to their advantage to increase their yield of the in-demand, vibrant colour of their ube, by wielding parent plants possessing that sought-after, vivid pigmentation.
In Filipino culture, ube has been a prominent and beloved ingredient in their cuisine for four-hundred years, symbolising resilience and abundance, referencing the plant’s ability to thrive in famine and war. It is a cornerstone of Filipino deserts, providing a sense of nostalgia and connection to their heritage.
A nutty flavour profile
Its taste is not to be feared. With a sweet, somewhat nutty taste, with clear hints of vanilla and a creamy texture resembling coconut and sweet potatoes, makes it the perfect subject to become the next matcha craze.
Ube can easily be confused with Taro, while not bright purple in colour, it contains purple specks and is typically portrayed as a pale, lavender purple in drinks.
Growing popularity
With the accessibility of trends on social media platforms like Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram, the visual appeal of ube produced a rapid interest of the flavour. Its striking colour delivers highly photogenic moments, perfect for bloggers, influencers, and even makeup products to gain traction. Its versatile texture also makes it highly favourable as a vegan ingredient, as it is high in antioxidants and contains essential nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fibre.
Ube treats: from drinks to cakes
- Ube Halaya:
- Ube Halaya, which is made from boiling and mashing purple yam to create a jam-like texture, is the base of some of the most popular ube desserts, such as vibrant ube-flavoured pastries, ice creams, and cakes. Its spreadable nature makes it the perfect topping on your morning croissant.
- Ube Puto:
- Ube Puto is a steamed rice cake delicacy, enhanced with grated coconut and butter, and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Ube has a versatile taste, making it perfect to try it with an endless amount of different toppings.
- Ube Coffee:
- Instead of having the monotonous cup of coffee every morning, why not treat yourself to an ube latte. Whether you go to a cafe (an approved Kachen list of recommendations down below) or learn to make it yourself, it is the perfect thing to add flavour to your morning routine.
- Ube Ice Cream:
- Ube ice cream is essentially heavy cream and condensed milk, combined with ube halaya or powder. To achieve a traditional texture, the ice cream mixture is frozen and then churned in an ice cream maker, making it the idealside-dish to have with a fresh brownie.
Where to find it in lux
- Holy Ghost Garden:
- Holy Ghost Garden serves Ube Latte that you can enjoy on the go or on site surrounded by greenery, as this place is also selling plants. Read about this new café here.
- Knopes
- Knopes Coffee Shop, while known for their scrumptious artisanal coffees and popular coffee bean brand, have recently hopped onto the ube trend train, producing ube lattes, both iced and warm. To try at both of their locations (11 Av. de la Porte-Neuve and 18 Rue Dicks). Be sure not to miss out!
