What’s an Ube? Here’s What You Should Know About the Purple Yam

Image via junpinzon/Depositphotos

Vegetables are great for you, and the fact that they come in amazing colors makes them even better. Eating a plate full of greens, reds, and yellows makes you feel like you’re doing something good for yourself, and if you’re missing something purple, you can try an ube, also known as purple jam. But what is an ube anyway?

A Philippines Staple

Ube is a purple yam that originates from the Philippines. It’s a type of sweet potato that’s even sweeter than the more commonly-known orange variety. When it comes to its nutritional value, the two are very similar. Ube is a popular ingredient in the Philippines, where it’s often used in desserts together with condensed milk.

Rising Trend

Ube is just now becoming popular in the west, and it’s a trending ingredient in the U.S. You can try ube desserts in some New York restaurants and bakeries, and in fact, many places around the country are starting to offer it as well. Ube is delicious and can be used in many different ways, so make sure to try it if you have a chance!