Purple yam, officially known as ubes, is a common ingredient in Philippine cuisines. These yams are actually purple in color and are used in all kinds of recipes. They are even known to make a nice looking violet colored cake.

Many yam fans will tell you that true Filipino ubes have darker skin than the purple yams, known as such, that are available in the United States.

Yams are not potatoes and should not be confused with the Peruvian purple potatoes that are available at some grocery stores and farm stalls.

One of the most common Philippine ube recipes is Halayang Ube or purple yam jam. It is made from powdered ube, milk, condensed milk, egg yolks, and butter.

Ube Balls are also common. This dish consists of condensed milk, ube puree, cornstarch, and water. The condensed milk and the ube are heated over low heat, until they are somewhat lukewarm.

At that point, cornstarch and violet food coloring are added. Continue cooking until mixture thickens. Stir constantly. The mixture is ready to cool, when it is removed from the pan.

Once the ube mixture has completely cooled, shape it into balls. Roll up the sugar and wrap tightly in plastic wrap for storage.

Other uses of ube yam in Philippine food are as an ingredient in cakes, muffins, and the Halo-Halo drink.

Philippine food is an exotic cuisine highly prized in many parts of the world and ube yam is one of the ingredients that distinguishes Philippine food from other cuisines in the region.