If you've ever caught sight of a vibrant dessert or a handcrafted drink in a mesmerizing violet hue, it was likely made with ube, the purple yam quickly becoming a global sensation. Ube, pronounced "ooh-beh," is a rising star in the beverage and culinary scene thanks to its distinct color and flavor. It's captured the hearts and stomachs of foodies worldwide, turning up in everything from ice cream and donuts to burger buns and pies. But what makes this purple yam so special? Let's dig in.
What is Ube?
Ube, or
Dioscorea alata, is a type of yam, not to be confused with purple sweet potato or taro. Its most striking feature is its vivid violet flesh. It's been a staple in Filipino cooking for centuries, serving as a base for many traditional dishes and desserts like ube halaya, a jam-like treat made with ube, condensed or coconut milk, and butter.
The Taste of Ube
Ube has a subtly sweet, nutty flavor, which some might describe as a blend of vanilla and pistachio. Its unique taste makes it a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes, providing a hint of earthiness to balance other flavors.
The Science of Purple
The vibrant purple color that makes ube so visually striking is more than just eye candy. Ube is packed with anthocyanins, potent antioxidants known for their health benefits, which include reducing inflammation and boosting immunity. Anthocyanins are responsible for colorful hues in many plants and foods, including pansies, açaí, purple cauliflower, red cabbage, eggplant, and many types of berries.
Ube in Today's Food Scene
Beyond traditional Filipino desserts, ube is making a splash in global cuisine. It's become a popular ingredient in western pastries and desserts due to its vibrant color and unique flavor. From ube doughnuts and ice cream in Los Angeles to ube pancakes in Australia, this purple yam is making its mark worldwide.
Growing and Harvesting Ube
Ube grows mostly in tropical climates and is quite particular about its growing conditions. It prefers warmer temperatures and humid climates. Harvesting ube can be labor-intensive, as the yams grow deep into the soil, requiring a lot of digging to unearth.
A New Twist on a Classic Flavor
Our 2024 Flavor of the Year,
Monin Ube Syrup blends the nutty, earthy flavor of ube with fig, vanilla, and cinnamon for a mesmerizing fusion of flavors you’ll want to sip and savor. Ube Syrup offers an easy way to experiment with ube in your beverage and culinary creations. Stir a splash into your morning latte, give your afternoon cocktail a unique twist, or even use it to add an unexpected layer of flavor to marinades, dips, and sauces.
Need recipe inspiration? Here are some of our favorite ways to use this versatile syrup:
#1 Ube Coconut Iced Latte
Indulge in a glass of tropical goodness with this
Ube Coconut Iced Latte! This blend of
Monin Ube Syrup, rich espresso, and creamy coconut milk is the perfect caffeinated treat.
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#2 Ube Boba Tea
Ube is a classic boba tea flavor, but
Monin Ube Syrup’s notes of fig and cinnamon add a unique twist to this
Ube Boba Tea recipe.
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#3 Ube G&T
You’ve never had a gin and tonic like this before! In this
Ube G&T, nutty ube and tart fig add an unexpectedly delicious element that pairs well with gin’s floral notes.
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#4 Ube Purple Negroni
Classic Negroni, White Negroni…meet the
Purple Negroni! Its lovely violet hue makes it a perfect conversation starter and it’s an ideal cocktail to serve at your next happy hour or girls’ night.
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#5 Grapefruit Ube Spritz
This
Grapefruit Ube Spritz is a delicious mocktail that will appeal to Paloma lovers. The zing of citrus works well with Ube Syrup’s nutty vanilla notes in this fizzy alcohol-free drink.
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