NEW! It's soon Here: Authentic UBE (Purple Yam) Powder – A Filipino Superstar !
- My Blue Tea
- Jul 3
- 7 min read
Purple is the New Black, we've said this long ago.......
Let's welcome, Ube powder / Purple Yam. There's a new purple jewel in town, and its name is UBE. Pronounced oo-beh, this dazzling purple yam, (scientific name is Dioscorea alata) has been a beloved secret in the Philippines for centuries. From creamy ube halaya jam to vibrant ube ice cream and lattes, its sweet, nutty, vanilla-like flavour and stunning colour have finally captured the world's attention.
*Ancient Cultivation: The purple yam is one of the most important staple crops of Austronesian cultures. While archaeological evidence from the Niah Caves in Borneo (over 40,000 years ago) shows that people were using starchy plants like yams very early, the domestication of the purple yam we know today is believed to have occurred around 10,000 years ago, likely in New Guinea and Island Southeast Asia, before spreading through the region.
*Global Traveler: Because of its importance as a food source, the purple yam was carried by Austronesian voyagers on their ocean journeys. It was introduced throughout the Pacific Islands, to New Zealand, and as far west as Madagascar and the Comoros .
*Today: From its origins, the purple yam has spread worldwide and now brought to you by MyBlueTea.
But Ube is more than just a pretty face for your social media feed. Traditional use and modern studies suggest this root vegetable is a powerhouse of unique health benefits, different from its cousin, the purple sweet potato and similar product Chinese Yam
While Purple Yam (Dioscorea alata) and Chinese Yam (Dioscorea polystachya) belong to the same genus (Dioscorea), they are quite different in appearance, flavour, and traditional use. Purple Yam is the vibrant desserts like Ube, while Chinese Yam is a staple in savoury soups and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for spleen and stomach.
Let's explore the magnificent world of My Blue Tea's 100% Pure UBE (Purple Yam) Powder – perfect for adding a vibrant, nutritious twist to your TCM-inspired rainbow bowls, smoothies, and bakes.
Ube Purple Yam vs. Purple Sweet Potato: A Noble Cousin
While both are purple, they are distinct. Purple sweet potato tends to have a drier, starchier texture and an earthy flavour. UBE (Purple Yam) is moister, denser, and offers a unique, sweet, and almost floral or vanilla-like taste. Its vibrant colour can also be more intense, making it a showstopper in any recipe.
Ube Purple Yam vs Purple Sweet Potato vs Taro next blog and Ube Purple Yam leaves vs Chinese Yam leaves vs Sweet Potato leaves (details in our next blog). And when it comes to your health? Ube & Purple Sweet Potato both stands proudly on its own with their own beautiful colour and benefits.
Can you spot the difference?
If your Purple Yam / Ube is very intense in colour, trust us it may have been added with artificial colour or subtance. Purple Sweet Potato is more intense and as it is natural. My Blue Tea has both Ube Halaya (Ube) and Purple Sweet Potato / Okinawan Purple potato (Ubi keledek). (see notes below).
Magnificent UBE (Purple Yam) Health Benefits::
In a world of functional foods, ube shines. It provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, dietary fibre for digestion, and a unique profile of antioxidants. Here’s why you should welcome this tuber into your pantry:
1. Potent Antioxidant Powerhouse (Beyond Standard Anthocyanins)
Like purple sweet potato, ube gets its colour from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals. However, ube contains a unique and highly stable type of anthocyanin called alatanins (Cyanidin-3-gentiobioside).
Benefit: These compounds are remarkably stable even when exposed to heat and light, meaning your baked goods, lattes, and cooked oatmeal retain more of their free-radical-fighting potential.
Anti-Aging: By neutralizing oxidative stress, these antioxidants support healthy, youthful-looking skin and protect cells from damage.
2. Supports Blood Sugar Management (A Diabetic-Friendly Carb)
This is a key difference from many other starchy roots. Ube has a reputation for having a lower glycaemic index (GI) compared to regular white potatoes and even some sweet potato varieties.
Benefit: The complex carbohydrates and high fibre content in ube lead to a slower, more gradual release of sugar into the bloodstream. This helps prevent sharp insulin spikes, making ube a smarter choice for individuals managing type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance, when consumed in moderation.
The steady energy release is a sign of a food that supports the Spleen and Stomach (the Earth element), providing sustained Qi without creating dampness.
4. Digestive Health & Natural Prebiotic
Just one serving of ube powder provides a healthy dose of dietary fibre.
Benefit: Fibre adds bulk to stool, preventing constipation and promoting regularity. Furthermore, the specific type of resistant starch in ube acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your gut. A healthy gut microbiome is the foundation of a strong immune system and clear skin—directly addressing the "dampness" and eczema story we shared.
5. Nourishes Hair, Skin
In traditional practices, the colour purple/black is associated with the Kidneys, the storehouse of our essential life essence, or Jing.
Benefit: The anthocyanins, vitamin C, and iron in ube contribute to collagen production and healthy blood circulation. This means stronger hair follicles, a brighter complexion, and more resilient nails. In TCM terms, ube gently nourishes the Kidney and Stomach meridians, helping to preserve Jing and combat premature greying or hair loss.
6. An Excellent Source of Complex Carbs for Athletes
Need clean, long-lasting energy? Ube is your answer.
Benefit: Unlike simple sugars that cause a crash, the complex carbohydrates in ube provide a steady release of glucose for working muscles. This makes it an exceptional ingredient for a pre-workout smoothie or a post-workout recovery bowl to replenish glycogen stores without inflammation.
7. Brain Health & Cognitive Function
The antioxidants in ube, particularly the anthocyanins, have been studied for their neuroprotective effects.
Benefit: These compounds are thought to cross the blood-brain barrier and help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in neural tissues. Regular consumption may help improve memory, focus, and protect against age-related cognitive decline.
8. Naturally Sweet, Creamy & Versatile
Unlike other superfood powders that can be bitter or earthy, ube has a naturally sweet, creamy, nutty, vanilla-like flavour.
Benefit: This allows you to add natural colour and sweetness to your recipes without needing added sugar or artificial flavourings. It turns a simple bowl of 5 Grain Oats into a purple paradise of flavour.
Trivia: Did you know that in Bahasa Malaysia or Malay language UBE is universal. Ubi or Ube is Ube Keledek in Bahasa Malaysia
Types of Ube / Ubi :
There are dozens of different types and species of ubi or ube. The most common ones you will hear in Malaysia, Indonesia or SEA include:
Ubi Kayu: Tapioca or Cassava ie Manihot esculenta.
Ubi Keledek: Sweet potato ie Ipomoea batatas
Ubi Badak Ungu ie Diaoscorea Alatas
Ubi Kentang: Potato ie Solanum tuberosum
Ubi Keling: Wild yam ie Stemona tuberosa
Ubi Gadung: A type of wild tuber ie Diascorea Hispida
Ubi Sengkuang: Jicama - Pachyrhizus erosus basically used in salads
How to Use My Blue Tea's UBE / Ubi Powder:-
Add 1-2 teaspoons to:
Your TCM 5 Grain Oat Bowls: Stir in at the end for a creamy, purple breakfast.
Smoothies & Lattes: Blend with banana, plant milk, and a dash of cinnamon for an "Ube Horchata."
Overnight Oats: Mix with your Quaker oats, Yin Shan goji berries, and Shi Zhuang lotus seeds.
Baking: Add to pancakes, muffins, or homemade protein balls.
Yogurt & Nice Cream: Swirl into Greek yogurt or blend with frozen banana for a healthy "Ube Nice Cream."
Ube Latte - dissolve 1-2 tspn of Ube powder in a little warm water and add milk (and sweetness) of your choice
Simple Ube Latte Recipe (No Added Sugar)
Warm 200ml of your favourite milk (oat or coconut works beautifully).
Add 1-2 tsp of My Blue Tea UBE Powder.
Sweeten with 1 small pitted date or 1 drop of stevia (optional).
Blend until frothy and enjoy a warm, grounding, kidney-nourishing latte.
Make yourself a "Ube Purple Milk Latte" or a vibrant "Ube & Coconut Overnight Oat Jar" today!
Ube lovers, this one's for you. 🟣 In future blogs, we're sharing authentic Ube Halaya and Ube Cheese Pandesal — both made with our incredible, natural organic UBE powder. Get your stretchy pants ready. Stay tuned!
Great news! You can now Pre-order our Ube Powder — available in 100g and 500g packs. But don't wait too long — limited packs only. Stock will be available from July 2026.
Disclaimer:
The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician. It is not meant to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, circumstances or adverse effects. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food Safety Standards, Australia. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Summary of Scientific References:
(Include links to relevant studies on Dioscorea alata, anthocyanins (alatanins), glycaemic index of yams, etc.)
Example: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry – "Anthocyanins from Purple Yam (Dioscorea alata)"
Example: Plant Foods for Human Nutrition – "Glycaemic index of yam varieties"
A 2025 network pharmacology study identifies bioactive compounds in D. alata for treating menstrual disorders .
A 2024 study confirms Jamaican Renta Yam (D. alata) as a source of natural antihypertensive compounds .
A 2021 review compiles pharmacological activities of Dioscorea species, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antidiabetic effects .
A 2025 study on purple yam anthocyanins shows gut-protective effects against oxidative damage .
A Note on Research: It's important to note that many of these studies are in the early stages, often using in silico (computer-simulated) models and cell cultures, rather than human clinical trials. Further research is needed to confirm these effects and determine effective dosages in humans .
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