Purple dishes are a huge food trend and are currently being really well received on social networks. But do you know who or what is behind the purple cakes and ice creams? This is the Ube root from Southeast Asia. But how healthy is the new purple sweet potato and how are dishes prepared with it? If you are curious, read on - we have put together all the important information and lots of great recipes and inspiration for you!
What is ube root anyway?
Ube root is an important crop and food source in the Philippines. She has dark and rough skin and is a total eye-catcher - cakes, ice cream, donuts and much more shine in purple thanks to her. To your eyes, it might look artificial and probably not all that tasty. But it is absolutely natural and even really healthy and is often made into a powder that is then used in desserts.
What kind of taste does she have?
The soft texture after cooking and the sweet, nutty taste are very reminiscent of those we all havewell-known orange sweet potatoes. However, many attribute significantly more intense notes of pistachio, coconut, white chocolate and vanilla to the ube root. However, as with any other vegetable, the aromas and taste can vary slightly between individual ube roots and depend on where they were grown. Larger roots tend to be much sweeter. But in general the taste is quite mild and not too intense.
How to grow yam yourself – instructions!
Since the healthy purple sweet potato is still not that well known, we will explain to you how you can grow the healthy purple sweet potato yourself!
- Search location –It is an exotic plant and likes it hot. That’s why you should pay particular attention to the location. Choose a sunny to partially shaded spot where the temperature is around 25-30 degrees.
- Use substrate –Use a plant substrate when planting. Take the seeds and insert them, making sure to press very lightly. The substrate should be loosened up so that the ube roots can develop better.
- Water correctly –When it comes to watering, the yam has special needs. When they are young, the tubers need a lot of water - and hardly any later. The germination time is around 3-5 weeks. After this time, you should see the first results of your planted roots.
Is she healthy?
In addition to its unusual color, the Ube root is also considered“Superfood” officially recognized– Like all other fruits and vegetables with dark red pigmentation (like cherries and blueberries, for example), purple sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and vitamins and contain high levels of cancer-protecting antioxidants.
- It supplies almost 25% of your daily needsVitamin A, C and E
- Rich in potassium –The tubers contain approximately 20% of the daily potassium intake, which is very important for cardiovascular health, lowering blood pressure and water regulation in the body.
- Ube root also contains a lotcopper and iron,which are important for the prevention and cure of anemia.
- You are a good oneDetoxifiersfor the kidneys, spleen and pancreas.
- One ingredient in the yam is particularly interesting for women, namelyDiosgenin.This is said to help with premenstrual syndrome and menopause, for example to prevent headaches, hot flashes, sleep disorders or mood swings.
Ube root nutritional values
The purple sweet potato has onelow glycemic indexand is therefore a good option for people suffering from type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Their starch content is 20-30% and they are therefore often referred to as bread roots. At 119 calories per 100g, ube roots are considered fairly low in calories and with the right preparation they are a perfect addition to your diet. Even though the nutritional values are fairly innocuous, the purple sweet potato is most often used in desserts, where the health benefits are unfortunately overshadowed by added sugar and calories. We therefore recommend that you consume the tubers steamed, boiled or baked.
Where can you buy them?
In Germany you can buy the ube root either in well-stocked supermarkets or in health food stores as well as in selected Asian shops. They can usually be found in the exotic or vegetable section. If you want to buy them fresh, you should do so in the summer, starting in the month of August at harvest time. When purchasing, you should attach great importance to the fact that it has organic origins. Furthermore, the root should not have any cracks, dents or soft spots. Instead, it's a good sign if they are plump and hard.
The roots do not belong in the refrigerator, but should be stored in a cool, dry place protected from light. They can then be stored for a period of around 10 days. The prices could also vary greatly - you have to expect around 10 euros per kilogram.
For your skin and hair
Ube root hair mask:
Yes, you read that right!This hair maskwill give your hair a special shine! To do this, you should mix a cooked purple sweet potato with a tablespoon each of honey, coconut milk and coconut oil with a stand mixer until it forms a creamy mixture. Apply to damp hair and leave on for 15 minutes, rinse well.
Yam facial mask:
Ingredients -Half a purple sweet potato, 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons coconut milk, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, a pinch of cinnamon
Preparation –Boil the yam and then stir or puree until smooth. Once cold, mix all the ingredients together. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes and rinse with cold water.
Ube root recipes
Ube root has been in the culinary spotlight lately. It is a very versatile vegetable that can be used to create stunning desserts or savory dishes thanks to its naturally vibrant purple hue. How does that work? Simply mix the cooked and pureed root into the dough and your food will shine in a rich purple color. The internet is full of creative and tempting recipes and here are just a few of our favorites.
Ube Halaya Recipe
Ube halaya, also known as ube jam, is a Filipino dessert made from boiled and mashed ube roots, milk and butter. The taste of this spread is simply unmistakable and the rich purple color makes it absolutely Instagram-worthy!
Ingredients:
- 800 g ube root
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 150g sugar
- 1 Tbsp Coconut milk
Preparation:
- Boil the ube root in water until soft.
- Strain the water, add sugar, condensed milk and coconut milk.
- Puree the mixture and bring to the boil over high heat, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat. Stir until a thick mixture forms (about 20 minutes).
- Add coconut oil and mix well again.
- Allow to cool slightly, if desired, puree with a blender so that the mixture is completely smooth. Pour into disposable glasses.
Cake with yam
Potatoes in cake? Sure, of course! Not only does it look pretty, it also tastes incredibly good and is also vegan and gluten-free!
Ingredients:
For the floor:
- 120g almonds
- 200 g dates (pitted)
- 1 cup of water
For the topping:
- 5 Ube roots
- 70 g maple syrup
- 50 g coconut oil (melted)
- 2 tbsp coconut milk
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 TL Vanilleextrakt
- 1 pinch of cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 pinch of nutmeg
Preparation:
- For the base: Crush the almonds and dates in a blender, add a little water and, if necessary, puree more finely with a magic wand. The mixture shouldn't be too mushy - small pieces are fine. Pour the mixture into a tart pan and press it down. Chill.
- For the topping: Bake the yam for 45 minutes at 200 degrees (top and bottom heat). Allow to cool, peel and make puree.
- Mix the ube root puree, coconut oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla extract and the spices until a homogeneous mass is formed.
- Pour the purple mixture onto the base and spread it evenly. Place the cake in the fridge for 3 hours and enjoy!
Purple sweet potato ice cream recipe
This homemade ice cream requires only 3 ingredients and best of all – no ice cream maker required! Turn this purple ube root into a light and delicious Filipino dessert!
Ingredients:
- 200g whipped cream
- 100 g sweetened condensed milk
- 300 g ube root jam
Preparation:
- Mix the condensed milk and ube jam in a bowl.
- Beat the whipped cream until stiff (approx. 5-7 minutes).
- Add 1/3 of the cream to the jam mixture and fold in carefully. Repeat the process 3 times.
- Pour the mixture into a baking pan and cover with cling film. Freeze for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
Purple fries from the oven
The purple sweet potato fries are a super healthy and tasty alternative to the usual onesFrench Friesthat you all know!
Ingredients:
- 4 large ube roots
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 220 degrees. Peel and cut the purple sweet potatoes.
- Sprinkle the purple sweet potatoes with the cornstarch and mix well with your hands.
- Add olive oil and spices and stir everything well again.
- Spread the ube fries on a baking sheet and bake for 13 minutes.
- Remove and turn over so they are baked evenly.
- Bake for another 15 minutes. Enjoy it!
Recipe for heavenly delicious crinkle cookies
These crinkle cookies are soft, moist and have a tropical touch. They are easy to make and go perfectly with your coffee or tea!
Ingredients:
- 700 g ube root jam
- 150g sugar
- 1 No
- 60g vegetable oil
- 250 g wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- a pinch of salt
- 60 g powdered sugar for rolling the cookies
Preparation:
- In a large bowl, beat the egg together with the sugar and oil until the consistency becomes light yellow.
- Add ube root jam and mix again.
- Gradually add flour, salt and baking powder. Stir through either with a spatula or with the dough attachment of the mixer. The dough should be sticky.
- Cover with cling film and chill for 4 hours.
- Form small balls and roll them in the powdered sugar until they are completely covered.
- Bake at 180 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
