In the Philippines, Purple Yam or “Ube” is grown both as backyard and commercial crop. Filipinos relish its fleshy underground roots in so many ways. Like sweet potato, ube is considered a famine crop. A solid sclerotic piece usually reaches the bulk of a young coconut and weigh from 2 to 3 kilograms. It is in season from November to January.

Ube is now used in a variety of desserts, as well as a flavor for ice cream, Swiss rolls, tarts, cookies, cakes, and pastries.