Our spring menu features a Lavender Ube Matcha with the most beautiful, purple coldfoam. As you may have noticed, ube has been growing in popularity and use – we are starting to see it in coffees or desserts almost anywhere. But what is ube? Why is it purple? Is it really worth trying?
Let’s dive in and see what we can learn!
Ube is a purple yam that comes from Southeast Asia, specifically the Philippines. It looks similar in shape to a sweet potato, has a dark purple, bark-like skin, and a vibrant purple flesh. It feels and cooks much like a sweet potato. It is started as a tuber (a thick, fleshy stem or root that helps plants survive harsh conditions) in sandy soil. Ube grows for 6 – 12 months and is then harvest, traditionally by hand to protect the tuber. It can then be cooked and eaten as desired, most often in desserts, jams, and drinks. Mild and earthy, ube is often described as having a nutty flavor, with hints of vanilla of coconut.
Like many foods we serve, ube offers several benefits. Not only does it provide a beautiful, all-natural color, it is also a superfood – nutrient dense and packed with antioxidants. The color can be attributed to the high level of anthocyanins – a powerful antioxidant with benefits including reduced inflamation, improved heart health, and enhanced brain function. Ube is high in vitamin C, which improves iron absorption, fights free radicals, and boosts the immune system. It is also full of complex carbs and resistance starches, which helps to impove gut health. Ube has also been said to help manage blood sugar (due to the flavenoids), lower blood pressure (likely because of the high amount of antioxidants), and impove symptoms of asthma (thanks to the vitamin A and C).
So now you know what ube is and why it’s purple. Is it worth trying? We’ll let that up to you. But if you ask us, when combined with our lavender matcha we sure think so! Not only is it pretty and yummy, it also packs a healthy punch. And many of you seem to agree with us – it has been a fan favorite this season!
Drop us a comment and let us know: is ube new to you? Are you excited to stop by and try the Lavender Ube Matcha? Or have you tasted and loved it? We can’t wait to hear what YOU think!
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