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Guide

What is ube? The purple yam guide

Ube (pronounced “oo-beh”) is a purple yam native to Southeast Asia. Its naturally purple flesh and naturally sweet flavour, with subtle notes of vanilla, pistachio and roasted almond, make it a rare and precious ingredient. Here is everything you need to know.

Main fouettant un latte à l’ube violet avec un fouet en bambou, sachet UBÉRA 200 g
Bol de poudre d’igname violette UBÉRA d’où s’élève une vapeur violette
Botany

A truly unique tuber.

Ube, scientifically named Dioscorea alata, is a yam — a tuberous plant of the Dioscoreaceae family. It is a distinct botanical species, grown in Southeast Asia for centuries for its intense purple colour and its soft texture.

A naturally sweet flavour, with subtle notes of vanilla, pistachio and roasted almond. Unlike beetroot, there is no bitterness. Its firm flesh keeps all its character when cooked — which makes it an ideal ingredient for a creamy, balanced latte.

Freshly dug purple yams being harvested in a field, in the Philippines

Origin

Southeast Asia — grown for centuries in the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand.

Family

Dioscorea alata — Dioscoreaceae family (yams). A distinct botanical species.

Taste

A naturally sweet flavour, with subtle notes of vanilla, pistachio and roasted almond.

The colour

A deep purple, of plant origin

The vibrant purple colour of ube is 100% natural. It comes from plant pigments present in the flesh of the tuber. These pigments give the drink its signature hue, with no colourant added whatsoever.

UBÉRA keeps that original colour intact thanks to a carefully controlled drying and milling process that preserves the natural pigmentation of the tuber.

Macro du latte à l’ube violet et de son motif de mousse en rosetta
Heritage

A traditional ingredient, reimagined.

In the Philippines, ube is a cornerstone of traditional pastry. It goes into iconic desserts such as halo-halo (a layered iced dessert), ube halaya (ube jam), and countless festive pastries.

In recent years, ube has crossed culinary borders. It appears in the cafés of Los Angeles, London and Paris, as lattes, modern pastries and artisan ice creams. UBÉRA is part of that evolution, with a Swiss approach: purity of the product, minimalism in the preparation, exacting sourcing.

Bowl violet à l’ube garni de fruits rouges
Latte à l’ube violet servi en tasse de verre, motif de mousse en rosetta
Mug de latte à l’ube violet, préparation du rituel UBÉRA
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is ube a yam or another tuber?

Ube is a yam (Dioscorea alata), from the Dioscoreaceae family. It stands apart from other purple tubers with a milder, rounder taste and naturally vanilla-like notes.

Does ube contain caffeine?

No, ube contains no caffeine. UBÉRA is a caffeine-free alternative to coffee, to be enjoyed at any time.

Is the purple colour natural?

Yes, 100%. It comes from the plant pigments present in the flesh of the tuber. No added colourant.

Where does ube come from?

From Southeast Asia — mainly the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand, where it has been cultivated for centuries.

How is “ube” pronounced?

“Oo-beh”, in two syllables. The word comes from Tagalog, the language of the Philippines.

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