What Is an Ube and Why Is It So Popular?

Everything you should probably know about the purple veggie that’s loved by so many.

It seems that violet-colored desserts are all the rage on Instagram.

The gorgeous hue is due to one ingredient: ube (pronounced ooh-beh).

But what exactly is an ube, and why has it become so popular?

What Is an Ube?

Ube, meaning tuber in Tagalog, is a purple yam originally from the Philippines.

Ube has a unique taste that sets it apart from other root vegetables.

Despite their similar appearance,ube, taro, and purple sweet potatoare not the same thing.

Ube’s light, sweet, and vanilla-like flavor makes it a particularly popular ingredient in desserts.

Its most commonly roasted or baked and served in savory meals rather thandesserts.

All that is to say, enjoy ube-flavored desserts in moderation, as you would any other sweet treat.

One of the first New York restaurants to embrace the ingredient was Manila Social Club, introducingube doughnutsin 2016.

Then mash it for use in desserts or asa side dish.

it’s possible for you to also stir ube puree intooatmealorsmoothiesfor a healthy boost of flavor and color.

Yes, you might buy ube in the United States.

Ube is primarily grown in the Philippines in limited quantities.

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