Agog over ube

THERE is currently much excitement about the lowly root crop called ube, or purple yam. It springs from skyrocketing world market demand for this tuber as a flavoring ingredient for drinks, confectioneries and desserts. Ube’s vibrant purple color and distinct flavor have made it a sought-after ingredient in the international culinary scene. In turn, the increasing demand has resulted in supply chain challenges, especially since the Philippines is one of its main producers. Ube (Dioscorea a