The root crop that is gaining significant popularity these days is ube, a variety of purple yam. It typically features thick, rough skin resembling bark and has a violet interior. Upon cooking, the ube transforms into a soft and creamy texture. Its delicate sweetness, reminiscent of vanilla and earthy notes, integrates seamlessly into contemporary desserts, pastries, and specialty coffee beverages.
Fueled by global experimentation, including highlights from major chains such as Starbucks, what was once a traditional Filipino dessert staple—ube halaya, ice cream, cakes, pastries, and halo-halo—has now penetrated mainstream markets worldwide.
In New York, for instance, the ube has surged in popularity, largely due to its vibrant, neon-purple hue, which has made it a favorite on social media platforms. Innovative local establishments like Manila Social Club and viral bakeries such as Kora have elevated ube to a sought-after delicacy.
Contrary to popular belief, ube (scientific name: Dioscorea alata) is not indigenous to the Philippines. This plant is found in various regions across Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and other tropical areas around the globe. Nevertheless, its significant cultural significance, widespread culinary applications, and renowned sweet dishes such as ube halaya are firmly established in Philippine culture.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), ube production reached its highest level for the second quarter since 2010, as the nation harvested an increased quantity of purple yam in response to rising demand in both local and international markets.
The PSA reported that the country produced 1,681.67 metric tons of ube from April to June 2026, marking a 22.5% increase from the 1,372.91 metric tons recorded during the same quarter the previous year.
Although cultivated in small backyard gardens throughout the nation, substantial commercial and regional farming occurs. Bohol stands out as the leading producer, contributing approximately 35% of the country’s total output, where ubi has been revered as a sacred crop since ancient times. It is recognized as the undisputed capital of ube, celebrated for its fertile volcanic soils that are ideal for the Kinampay variety.
These ube planting materials are ready for transplanting.
Following closely is Cagayan Valley, another significant provincial producer. Other provinces such as Quezon, Batangas, Cavite, and Albay also yield consistent quantities. In Mindanao, Lanao del Norte plays a role in supporting local commercial supplies.
There is a significant local demand for ube. Overseas Filipino workers often bring ube as pasalubong for their fellow countrymen when they return to their respective locations. Remember Filipino chef Ryan Jaranilla, who prepared meals for athletes at the Olympic Games? He made sure to bring ube powder back with him to California after his trip.
A significant demand also exists in various Asian countries, including Japan, China, and Australia; these countries import processed ube products (such as powders, purees, and extracts) for industrial food production and local dessert innovations.
In North America, the United States and Canada are at the forefront of consumption, influenced by the Filipino diaspora and trending social media posts showcasing ube pastries, lattes, and ice cream.
In Europe, there is an increasing demand in the United Kingdom and Italy, highlighted by commercial initiatives like ube-flavored beverages offered at major chains such as Starbucks.
According to the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops), ube can flourish in various locations across the Philippines and in diverse soil types and elevations, as it possesses the ability to withstand challenging conditions such as drought and pest attacks.
Nevertheless, ube achieves optimal growth in sandy loam or silt loam soils that are fertile and well-drained, with temperatures between 25°C and 30°C. PhilRootcrops, based at Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay City, Leyte, indicates that ube requires sufficient moisture throughout its growing season.
Ube can be cultivated in a crop rotation system alongside short-season crops. In certain regions of the country, it is frequently planted in the first season following land clearing. The bush fallow cropping system incorporates both rotation and intercropping techniques.
Typically, ube is grown in rotation with cassava and intercropped with crops such as melon, corn, or okra, as stated by the Department of Agriculture. Suitable alternative crops to plant alongside ube include peanuts, cowpeas, and other legumes that enhance soil quality.
At the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation, Inc., based in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur, ube is grown as part of one of its reforestation initiatives. The vines are grown beneath mahogany trees. “We refer to this method as farming with trees,” stated Jethro P. Adang, the director of the center.
Despite its cultural significance and increasing popularity, the production of ube in the country encounters various challenges, according to PhilRootcrops.
“Demand for ube-based products has risen significantly in both domestic and international markets,” PhilRootcrops states. “However, farmers often struggle to meet this demand due to declining production levels, limited access to resources, and the predominance of small-scale farming systems.”
According to their research, PhilRootcrops has determined that ube is a crop that is specific to certain locations, necessitating specific soil and environmental conditions to achieve the best yields. Farmers often require soil testing and meticulous site selection prior to planting to ensure successful growth.
Another significant limitation is the scarcity of high-quality planting materials. This issue has been highlighted by Emmanuel Piñol, the former agriculture secretary, who noted that farmers and prospective growers frequently struggle to find reliable sources for planting materials.
“When you inquire where to buy ube or acquire ube planting materials, you face a blank wall,” Piñol pointed out.
In order to address this problem, the VSU, in collaboration with PhilRootcrops and the Bohol Island State University (BISU), spearheaded the development of innovative propagation techniques and introduced them to farmers cultivating ube in Bohol. They successfully trained these farmers in the production of high-quality planting materials utilizing advanced methods such as the minisett.
The minisett technique is an agricultural method employed for rapid propagation, particularly in ube, which entails dividing a healthy, intact “mother” tuber into smaller segments.
Dr. Marlon M. Tambis, the director of PhilRootcrops, clarified that under traditional planting practices, farmers are limited to producing only 7-10 planting materials from a single kilogram of ube. However, by employing the minisett propagation technique, farmers can generate over 30 high-quality planting materials.
Dr. Tambis noted that these planting materials cannot be directly sown in the field. Due to their smaller size compared to those used in conventional planting, they require ‘extra care’ prior to planting. This preparation involves germinating them first in a seedbed.
In addition to the scarcity of quality planting materials, farmers face another challenge: ube is classified as a seasonal root crop, which restricts planting to the months of May and June when using traditional methods.
With that, Tambis’ team has also identified Ube varieties appropriate for year-round planting, including commercial varieties like ‘Baligonhon,’ ‘Inoringnon,’ ‘Kabus-ok,’ and ‘Zambal,’ as well as ‘Ubi Kinampay’—a native variety known for its superior aroma, color, and taste. These varieties are also grown in other provinces across the country.
What constitutes an ube? Nutritionists indicate that it comprises 70% moisture and 28% starch. Additionally, it contains small amounts of fats, crude protein, sugar, crude fiber, ash, and vitamins C, B1, and B2. However, the nutrient composition of the tuber can differ based on its variety and the method of cooking.
Ube is not only beneficial for nutritional needs; it also contributes positively to overall health. A study conducted by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development confirmed the existence of PRP-1 (Philippine Rootcrops Protein 1), a novel anti-hypertensive protein derived from ube.
Research has shown that PRP-1 contains angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which inhibits the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a substance that elevates blood pressure in the body.
This suggests that locally-produced ube may serve as a viable alternative treatment for hypertension, which affects 33% of adult Filipinos.
“The crucial importance of ube in promoting human health cannot be overstated. It can be utilized safely as a potential anti-hypertensive medication. Furthermore, as a natural protein, it could represent a significant asset in today’s health-conscious society,” said Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin, a highly regarded Filipino scientist.
