Summary of Everything You Need To Know About Ube:
Ube, a purple yam native to Southeast Asia, has risen to fame on social media due to its striking color and versatility in various types of food. Ube has a mildly sweet, nutty, and vanilla flavor and is commonly seen in desserts. However, it also offers health benefits such as being a great source of carbs, fiber, and micronutrients, as well as containing antioxidants and resistant starch. Ube’s popularity goes beyond its appearance, as many people are being encouraged to explore new foods from different cultures. Ube can be used in both sweet and savory dishes and can be boiled, baked, fried, or mashed, as well as purchased in extract or powder form.
*****
Ube: The Purple Yam Taking Over Instagram
Ube, a purple yam native to Southeast Asia, has been taking over social media feeds with its versatile and vibrant nature. From bright purple donuts to hamburger buns, this ingredient has become a popular addition to many dishes and desserts. However, there’s more to this aesthetically pleasing vegetable than just its striking color. Here’s all you need to know about ube.
What is Ube?
Ube is a purple yam that grows on a vine and is commonly used in Filipino cuisine. Its bark-like skin sets it apart from purple sweet potatoes, which have a smoother skin and grow underground. This root vegetable has a mildly sweet, nutty, and vanilla flavor, and a coconut-like aroma.
Health Benefits of Ube
Ube is a great source of carbs, fiber, calcium, vitamin C, and iron. It also contains antioxidants called anthocyanins, which have been shown to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and reduce inflammation. Additionally, the resistant starch in ube promotes gut health, and its low glycemic index ensures that energy levels are maintained without a quick spike.
Why is Ube so Popular?
Apart from its striking color, Ube has gained popularity in the US because people are being encouraged to explore new foods from different cultures. Ube is incredibly versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
How to Eat Ube
Some classic Filipino recipes with ube include halaya, a sweet jam made with boiled and mashed ube, and halo-halo, which consists of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and toppings like ube, coconut strips, and tapioca. For a sweet treat, try no-churn ube ice cream made with sweetened condensed milk and heavy whipping cream. For a savory option, ube hummus made with the root vegetable instead of chickpeas is a great option. Ube can be boiled, baked, fried, mashed, and more, and can also be found in extract and powder form.
Final Thoughts
Ube is a versatile and nutrient-dense ingredient that has become increasingly popular in the US and across social media. Its unique color and flavor make it a great addition to a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. So why not try incorporating some ube into your next meal and see what all the fuss is about?
