Ube, a bright purple yam from the Philippines, is popping up everywhere, from local cafes to global supermarkets. Its journey from a traditional favorite to a trendy superfood shows how we’re all looking for foods that are not just good for us but also look and taste great.
In the Philippines, ube has been loved for centuries. It’s known for its unique purple color and sweet taste, making it a star in many Filipino desserts like ube halaya, a smooth and creamy jam. Recently, the rest of the world has started to fall for ube’s charm, using it to add a splash of color and a hint of sweetness to everything from cakes to coffees.
Ube isn’t just pretty; it’s also packed with good stuff. It has vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help keep your eyes healthy, boost your immune system, and even protect your heart. Its purple color comes from anthocyanins, which fight inflammation and might even help ward off diseases. Plus, ube is great for anyone trying to eat better because it’s full of nutrients and can fit into many recipes. In his recent “Blue Zones,” Dan Buettner talked about the longevity power of purple sweet potatoes. His documentary has been on of our team’s new favorites highlighting the importance of community, nutrition and daily movement.
Lately, ube has become a hit on social media, thanks to its striking color and versatility. From smoothie bowls to ice cream, ube is showing up in all kinds of dishes, winning over foodies and health enthusiasts alike. It’s also getting noticed because of documentaries and studies showing how traditional foods like ube can help people live longer, healthier lives.
My own introduction to ube was through an ube espresso drink (highlighted in the picture from Nibl cafe in Columbia, South Carolina) and ube shortbread cookies I found at Costco which I resisted because unfortunately, they are not gluten free. These highlight how ube is moving beyond traditional uses and becoming a trendy ingredient in all sorts of foods and drinks, including several foods at Trader Joe’s.
Ube’s rise from a traditional yam to a modern kitchen favorite is exciting. It shows how food can bring us together, introduce us to new tastes, and even make our meals healthier and more colorful. As ube continues to spread its purple magic around the world, it’s a reminder of how exploring new foods can enrich our diets and our lives. Have you used Ube recently and what are your thoughts?
