Ube Vegetable Everything You Need To Know

This root vegetable has recently become all the hype, and it’s not surprising why! It is purple in color, for starters, which is also why it’s commonly referred to as purple yam. Sometimes, it even has heart-shaped leaves making it look straight out of a fairytale! This vegetable has a sweet flavor and is therefore used mainly for desserts. However, it can also be used for savory foods.

It comes from Southeast Asia and is a staple food in the Philippines. However, due to its increasing popularity, it’s now grown and enjoyed around the world! There are many reasons for its demand, including the fact that it has plenty of health benefits and the fact that it works wonders as a natural sweetener. Of course, let’s not forget its super-duper color! Here is everything you need to know about the Ube vegetable. Happy reading!

What Is It?

Before we delve into the topic any further, let us get a deeper insight into what this vegetable really is. The Ube is basically a purple sweet potato. It has a nutty flavor and is a favorite in desserts. This vegetable is very often confused with Taro, which is a similar kind of root vegetable. It is healthy and yummy, which is a win-win situation!

Growing conditions Of Ube

Ube is a fast-growing plant, so you don’t have to wait too long to reap its benefits. It is perennial and relatively low maintenance, which means that you don’t have to pay too much attention to growing. You can plant them anytime from fall to spring. Just make sure to give it plenty of water during the summer and some light shade, and you’re good to go!

It usually takes around 3-12 weeks for it to grow. Not all of its leaves are edible, so you should be careful about that. They usually become dormant in the spring, so that’s the time when you should start digging.

The best way to grow them is to put them somewhere where they can climb. This can be anything from a tree to a fence. They are mostly self-sufficient, so you’ll be surprised at how tall these vigorous vines can climb while trying to get some sunlight.

Benefits Of Ube

Now let us look at the various benefits of Ube and why it is considered so good for your health. Here are some of the major benefits:

1. High In Antioxidants

This vegetable is known to be high in antioxidants. This includes Vitamin C and anthocyanins. What this does is that it protects you from chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and various other disorders.

2. Reduces Blood Pressure

Ube can also significantly reduce your blood pressure and therefore improve your overall health and wellbeing. Reducing your blood pressure e it can save you from heart attacks and strokes. According to a study, this vegetable had similar results in lowering blood pressure when compared with medication. A completely natural way of bringing down your blood pressure with no side effects, it’s a win-win situation!

3. Rich In Nutrients

It is a super nutritious vegetable that has many different nutrients. For starters, it’s a great source of carbs, vitamin C and Potassium. It also contains iron, calcium, and lots of fiber and protein. It also reduces inflammation and will prevent you from getting Type 2 diabetes and certain kinds of cancers.

4. Helps Manage Blood Sugar LevelsIft you have Type 2 diabetes, Ube will help keep your blood sugar levels in check. This vegetable has a low GI (Glycemic Index) and is not absorbed quickly into the bloodstream. Its carbs breaking into sugars is done slowly,y therefore not spiking your blood sugar levels.

5. Aids With Digestion

This particular vegetable is considered to be good for your gut. It will help with digestion. This is because they are full of complex carbohydrates and a great source of resistant starch resistant to digestion. This plays an integral role in the well-being of your gut as it breaks down complex carbs and fiber. It also produces B vitamins as well as healthy fatty acids.

In addition to that, it can prevent you from getting Irritable Bowel Syndrome and certain kinds of cancers such as colorectal cancers, etc.

6. Can Improve Symptoms Of Asthma

If you have asthma, then Ube can help improve your symptoms. Since this vegetable is a great source of vitamins and antioxidants, it can help reduce asthma symptoms.

What Ube Is Used For

Because of its vibrant color, it is much sought after and used in various desserts worldwide. It is used in many different kinds of sweet treats, from violet pancakes to donuts, milkshakes, ice cream, and cheesecakes. You may have seen it trending on Instagram. Many restaurants have started to make baked goods from this one-of-a-kind vegetable!

Even though it may be slightly challenging to get fresh Ube, you can get it in various forms such as powders like food color, a jam, or paste, which is its most common form: sold. It has very little fat, so it is great to add desserts as a natural sweetener.

Final Thoughts

This vegetable truly sounds too good to be true! Be it because of its visually appealing color, delicious taste, or the fact that it has so many health benefits! You can use it to make many kinds of desserts, and you can even feel less guilty because they’ll be less fattening! You now know everything you need to about this awesome veggie so go get yours and see how it changes your food world.