What is ube?
Ube is a purple yam grown across Southeast Asia and especially loved in the Philippines. It's cooked and sweetened for desserts like ube halaya (a thick jam), ube ice cream, ube cake and halo-halo. Over the last few years it has become a favorite flavor in bakeries and cafés across the US.
What does ube taste like?
Mellow and gently sweet, with notes people describe as nutty, vanilla-like and a little like sweet potato or pistachio. It's soft rather than sharp, which is why it works so well with creamy things like milk, coconut and chocolate.
Why is ube purple?
Ube is naturally rich in anthocyanins, the same pigments that color blueberries and red cabbage. Ube desserts are often brightened further with ube extract.
Is ube the same as taro?
No. Ube is a yam with deep purple flesh and a sweet, vanilla-like taste. Taro is a different root with pale, speckled, lilac-gray flesh and a starchier, more savory flavor. The two get mixed up because both show up in purple desserts and drinks.
What is ube horchata?
Horchata is a sweet drink; the Mexican version is made with rice and cinnamon. Ube horchata blends ube into it, giving a creamy purple drink that's popular at cafés. The frens Ube Horchata bar takes its cue from that drink.
Where can I buy ube chocolate?
Online, in the frens shop: the Ube Horchata bar ships across the contiguous United States. Filipino bakeries and Asian grocery stores often carry other ube sweets, like ube halaya, cookies and ice cream.
Is ube chocolate a good gift?
Yes, especially for someone who loves ube already or likes trying new flavors. It's a conversation starter, and the color makes it fun to open. Pair it with Mango Matcha or Dark Chocolate Yuzu for a small tasting of flavors they won't find at a regular store. See our gift guide for more ideas.