Ube – the still unknown yam / sweet potato from the Philippines
Extremely popular in the Philippines and other Asian countries but relatively unknown in other countries: Ube (pronounced like the oo-bay). The Manila Social Club created the ‘Golden Cristal Donuts’ with ube as one of the main ingredients. The pictures of the donut went viral, especially on Instagram and created a lot of publicity. We know that ube powder turns your food purple, but what is it?
Ube
It’s purple, subtle, and a staple at Filipino potlucks. And now it’s starting to stake a claim for itself in the western world. Ube is a purple yam / sweet potato that is common in the Philippines and other Asian countries, and is on every dessert table. Chefs have long been using ube powder and jam in their baked goods, but now a few are drawing direct inspiration from the original source: the sweet potato. For example, ube in cheesecake and sweet-potato-pie form, as well as in cookies, ice cream, and as descripted above as mousse in the ‘Golden Cristal Donut’.
Golden Christal Donut with Ube filling
Ube went viral mainly because of the pictures of the ‘Golden Cristal Donut’. This donut created by chef Björn DelaCruz of restaurant the Manila Social Club in Williamsburg (Brooklyn) is one to be framed. As it should be considering the price of $ 100 per donut. It’s made from ube mousse and Cristal champagne and then hand covered in gold flakes (check the video). Despite the (high) price, the donuts are very popular and currently the waiting list is three weeks!
Did you ever work with ube? Let us know! We like to publish a recipe that chefs in the Netherlands could use!
Website: Manila Social Club
