Ube is a purple yam that is extremely popular in the Philippines, and the vegetable is now more consistently being used in North America – with Manila Social Club's Ube donut being just one example of this fact.
The donut shop is owned by chef Bjorn, and is based in New York City, while also operating in Miami. Its Ube donut is an extension of its other luxury desserts, and contains Filipino purple yam that is made into the icing on the donut's glazed exterior – with the final topping being pearlized sugar.
The yam, which can be seen in the donut's filling and on the icing that sits on top of it, boasts a vivid purple color that is made with just the vegetable itself and without any food dyes.
Yam-Based Donuts
Manila Social Club Offers a Donut Based in Sweet Vegetables
Trend Themes
1. Vegetable-based Desserts - There is an increasing trend of using vegetables, such as yams, in desserts, opening up opportunities for creative and healthier dessert options.
2. Regional Ingredients - The use of regional ingredients, like the Filipino purple yam, is becoming more popular in North American cuisine, presenting opportunities for unique flavor experiences.
3. Natural Food Coloring - The demand for natural food coloring is driving innovation in creating vivid colors in foods, without the need for artificial additives or dyes.
Industry Implications
1. Bakery - Bakeries can capitalize on the trend of vegetable-based desserts by developing innovative recipes that incorporate vegetables like yams into pastries and sweets.
2. Culinary Tourism - Culinary tourism can benefit from the use of regional ingredients by attracting food enthusiasts who seek authentic and unique flavor experiences from different cultures.
3. Food Coloring Industry - The food coloring industry can explore natural alternatives to artificial additives for creating vibrant colors in foods, meeting the growing demand for clean label products.