Taro and ube are often confused, especially since they both appear in purple desserts and drinks. However, they are two different root vegetables with their own distinct taste, texture, and culinary applications..
What is ube? 💜
Ube (Dioscorea alata) is a purple yam primarily known from Filipino cuisine. The tuber naturally has an intense purple to violet-colored interior and a soft, creamy texture.
The flavor of ube is subtly sweet, creamy, and often described as a combination of vanilla and a delicate nutty taste. This makes ube popular in sweet dishes such as:
* Ube halaya (jam)
* Ube ice cream
* Cakes and cheesecakes
* Donuts
* Ube lattes
* Mochi and other desserts
What is taro? 🤍💜
Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a different root vegetable than ube. Its interior is usually white or cream-colored with purple or pink specks, and thus not naturally deep purple.
Its taste is mild, slightly nutty, starchy, and a bit earthier than ube. Thanks to its firm structure, taro is used in both savory and sweet dishes, such as:
* Bubble tea
* Curries
* Soups
* Chips
* Desserts
* Mochi
Why are many taro drinks purple?
This is a common misconception. Pure taro is usually not bright purple. Many purple taro drinks and bubble tea get their striking color from food coloring or the addition of ube. This leads many people to think that taro and ube are the same, when they are not.
Which one is best for you?
Choose ube if you like a natural purple color, a creamy texture, and a subtly sweet vanilla-like taste. Perfect for lattes, smoothies, ice cream, and desserts.
Choose taro if you prefer a milder, starchy tuber that can be used in both savory and sweet dishes.
Conclusion
Although ube and taro are both popular Asian root vegetables, they are distinctly different. Ube is a purple yam with a natural deep purple color and a creamy, sweet taste. Taro is a taro root with a lighter interior and a milder, earthier taste.
Looking for real ube? At Ubejoy, you'll find 100% high-quality ube, perfect for ube lattes, smoothies, ice cream, and other delicious recipes. 💜
