Purple Yam Tea is more than just a drink—it’s an experience that combines flavor, tradition, and creativity into one stunning beverage. This Filipino-inspired recipe transforms the natural sweetness of ube, or purple yam, into a creamy and refreshing tea that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re a fan of bubble tea, experimenting with new flavors, or simply looking for a colorful drink to brighten your day, Purple Yam Tea is a must-try.
Also referred to as Filipino purple yam drink or ube tea, this recipe blends the earthy, nutty flavors of purple yam with the fragrant notes of brewed tea. The result is a vibrant purple drink that’s perfect for any season. Served over ice, it’s an excellent way to cool off during hot summer days. For colder months, enjoy it warm and let the comforting flavors of ube and tea envelop you.
What makes this drink even more special is its versatility. You can customize it with tapioca pearls for a bubble tea experience, add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence, or experiment with different types of tea, such as black, green, or oolong, to create a variety of flavor profiles. If you’re a fan of purple sweet potato tea or unique beverages, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection.
Not only does Purple Yam Tea look and taste amazing, but it also offers a glimpse into Filipino cuisine, celebrating the use of ube, a beloved ingredient in many traditional desserts. This drink brings the rich culinary history of the Philippines into your kitchen, giving you a taste of its vibrant flavors and traditions. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it at a gathering, Purple Yam Tea is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Making this Purple Yam Tea Recipe is surprisingly simple. With just 30 minutes of prep time and 2 minutes of cooking, you’ll have two cups of this delicious drink ready to enjoy. The best part? You only need a handful of ingredients to create this colorful and flavorful beverage that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the world of ube tea! I promise you’ll love the unique combination of flavors and the stunning purple hue. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with this homemade purple yam sensation!
Why You’ll Love This Purple Yam Tea Recipe
This Ube Halaya Tea recipe is destined to become a staple in your beverage lineup. Combining the rich, creamy flavor of ube—a beloved purple yam from the Philippines—with the aromatic essence of tea, this drink is as delightful as it is unique. Whether you’re an adventurous foodie or a tea enthusiast, the nutty, slightly sweet profile of ube paired with the comforting warmth of tea creates a flavor harmony that’s hard to resist.
What sets this Filipino-inspired tea apart is its balance of texture and taste. The ube halaya (purple yam jam) gives the tea a luxurious, velvety finish, while its subtle earthy sweetness enhances the tea’s natural flavors. Served warm or iced, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, making it an exciting twist on your usual tea ritual.
Not only does this drink deliver incredible flavor, but it also brings a cultural touch to your table. Ube is a cornerstone ingredient in Filipino cuisine, celebrated for its vibrant color and unique taste. Adding it to tea elevates a simple beverage into a truly memorable experience.
Unique Flavor Profile
The creamy texture of ube makes this drink stand out. Its vibrant purple color is a feast for the eyes, even more than taro tea. You can adjust the sweetness to your taste. Try adding coconut milk for a true Filipino flavor.
Health Benefits
This purple tea is not just tasty. Ube is full of nutrients that are good for you. A cup of cooked purple yam has:
| Nutrient | Amount | Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 140 | – |
| Carbs | 27g | – |
| Fiber | 4g | – |
| Vitamin C | – | 40% |
| Potassium | – | 13.5% |
The anthocyanins in ube may help reduce inflammation and protect against diseases like cancer and type 2 diabetes. Plus, the fiber in ube promotes good digestive health.
Versatility
This purple yam tea recipe is very versatile. You can enjoy it hot or cold, making it perfect for any season. You can even make it into a bubble tea by adding tapioca pearls. The best part? You can make this delicious drink at home in just 20 minutes, saving both time and money compared to buying it at a bubble tea shop.
How Long Does It Take to Make Purple Yam Tea?
Making purple yam tea is simpler than you might think! Let’s look at how long it takes to make this traditional Filipino drink. It’s easy, and you’ll enjoy a tasty ube drink soon.
Preparation Time
Preparing to make purple food coloring tea is quick. It only takes 5 minutes to get your ingredients and tools ready. You’ll need 250 grams of fresh purple yam, 25 grams of sugar, and small amounts of evaporated milk, condensed milk, and butter.
Cooking Time
The ube paste is the heart of this natural colorant tea. Cooking time is between 25 to 40 minutes, depending on the paste’s thickness. While cooking, you can steep your black tea for 3 to 5 minutes.
Total Time
Expect to spend about an hour making your purple yam tea. This includes cooling time for the ube paste. After finishing, you’ll have 1.5 cups of paste, enough for several servings.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 5 minutes |
| Cooking ube paste | 25-40 minutes |
| Steeping tea | 3-5 minutes |
| Cooling | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | ~1 hour |
The best part? Once you’ve made your ube paste, you can store it. Then, you can make fresh purple yam tea in minutes whenever you want! This Filipino tea is worth every second, offering a unique and delicious experience.
What You’ll Need to Make Purple Yam Tea
Ready to explore vibrant tea? Let’s get started on making your own purple yam tea. It’s a unique twist on herbal tea. This tea combines purple yam’s earthy sweetness with creamy milk for a luxurious taste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup ube flavoring or puree
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup cooked boba pearls (optional)
The star ingredient, ube (purple yam), gives this tea its stunning color and unique flavor. You can use fresh ube or ube powder if fresh yams are hard to find.
Equipment
No fancy gadgets needed! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Saucepan
- Blender or food processor
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Glasses for serving
With these simple ingredients and tools, you’re ready to make a delicious and eye-catching purple tea. This recipe makes two servings, great for sharing or enjoying alone. Each serving has about 237 calories, making it a light treat.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 237 kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 56 g | 19% |
| Protein | 2 g | 4% |
| Fat | 1 g | 2% |
| Fiber | 2 g | 8% |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Purple Yam Tea
Ready to make your own ube drink? Let’s start making this delightful purple yam tea! This guide will show you how to make a tasty ube tea blend that will impress everyone.
Purple Yam Tea
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 bags black tea
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup ube flavoring or puree
- 0.5 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup cooked boba pearls optional
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the black tea bags and let steep for 3-5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool slightly.
- In the same saucepan, whisk in the granulated sugar and ube flavoring or puree until dissolved and well combined.
- Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and mix until smooth.
- Divide the cooked boba pearls (if using) between two glasses. Pour the ube tea mixture over the boba, filling each glass evenly.
- Add ice cubes if desired and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- Customization: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less condensed milk to taste.
- Storage: The ube tea mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days without boba pearls.
- Serving Tip: Add a splash of coconut milk for an extra creamy texture.
Nutrition
Making the Ube Base
First, make the ube base. In a saucepan, mix 4 tablespoons of purple yam powder with 1 cup of coconut milk and ¾ cup of sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 15 minutes until thick. Once cooled, this base can be refrigerated for 3-4 days, yielding enough for 8-10 drinks.
Brewing the Tea
While your ube base cools, brew your favorite tea. Green or black tea works well with the ube flavor. For optimal taste, steep black tea for 3 minutes in water heated to 212°F (100°C). Allow the tea to cool before proceeding.
Combining and Serving
Now, it’s time to make your purple yam tea! In a blender, combine your cooled tea, a few tablespoons of the ube base, and your choice of milk. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour over ice for a refreshing cold drink, or enjoy it warm for a cozy treat. This recipe makes 2 large or 3 small servings.
For an extra indulgence, try making it into a bubble tea by adding cooked tapioca pearls. Cook quick tapioca pearls for about 5 minutes, or black pearls for 4-12 minutes until they float. If you’re a fan of matcha, you might enjoy experimenting with matcha as an alternative to traditional tea in this recipe.
| Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 320 | – |
| Carbohydrates | 41g | 14% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 3658 IU | 73% |
| Calcium | 300mg | 30% |
Enjoy your homemade purple yam tea, savoring its unique flavor and potential health benefits. The vibrant color and creamy texture make it a treat for both the eyes and taste buds!
Creative Variations for Purple Yam Tea
Let’s dive into some exciting twists on the classic purple yam tea recipe! These changes will elevate your traditional Filipino tea into a tasty vegan purple yam drink or a rich ube dessert drink.
Bubble Tea Version
Turn your purple yam tea into a fun bubble tea! Cook tapioca pearls and add them for a chewy feel. Quick-cooking pearls are ready in about 20 minutes. Making it at home saves you money compared to bubble tea shops.
Latte Adaptation
Try a creamier version with a latte. Use steamed milk and top with whipped cream. For a treat, add ube ice cream for an ube boba tea float. Vegan? Use plant-based milk instead.
Seasonal Twists
Be creative with your purple yam tea all year. Add pumpkin spice in fall or peppermint in winter. This drink is perfect for any season, so try new flavors!
Remember, ube is sweeter with hints of vanilla, unlike taro’s nuttier taste. Its vibrant purple color makes it a stunning drink. Enjoy your ube tea right away for the best taste and texture!
Health Benefits of Purple Yam Tea
Purple yam tea is more than a tasty drink; it’s full of health benefits. This vibrant purple tea combines great taste with nutrition. Let’s explore the health advantages of this delightful tea.
Nutritional Value
Ube milk tea is a nutritional powerhouse. A 100-gram serving of cooked purple yam, the main ingredient, offers:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 140 | – |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | – |
| Fiber | 4g | – |
| Protein | 1g | – |
| Vitamin C | 17.1mg | 40% |
| Potassium | 816mg | 13.5% |
Antioxidant Properties
The tea’s vibrant color comes from anthocyanins. These antioxidants fight cell damage and may reduce cancer risk. Purple yam’s antioxidants are 2.5 times stronger than some blueberries!
Potential Health Impacts
Drinking Okinawan tea can do more than just taste good. Its slow-release carbs keep energy steady. The high fiber also supports digestion. It’s like enjoying a color-changing dessert that’s good for you!
Sweet potato tea fans will be happy to know its purple cousin helps manage blood sugar. The anthocyanins in ube may fight obesity and inflammation. So, enjoy this purple treat – your body will appreciate it!
How to Store and Reheat Purple Yam Tea
Making ube powder tea at home is a delightful way to enjoy this Filipino beverage. But what if you’ve made too much? Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with some handy tips for storing and reheating your purple yam tea.
Proper Storage Techniques
To keep your ube powder tea fresh, store the ube base in an airtight container in the fridge. This healthy yam drink base can last up to 5 days when refrigerated properly. For longer storage, you can freeze the ube base in ice cube trays for 1-2 months. This method is perfect for when you want to enjoy this vegan tea option without the hassle of making it from scratch every time.
Reheating Methods
When you’re ready to enjoy your purple yam tea again, simply scoop out some of the ube base and blend it with fresh milk and tea. If you prefer your drink warm, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
Shelf Life
The shelf life of your ube powder tea depends on how you store it. When kept in the fridge, the ube base lasts up to 5 days. Frozen, it can maintain its quality for 1-2 months. Remember, proper storage not only extends the life of your tea but also ensures that every cup tastes as fresh and delicious as the first. With these tips, you can enjoy this comforting Filipino beverage whenever the craving strikes!
Savor the Comfort and Color of Homemade Purple Yam Tea
Get ready to dive into the world of homemade purple yam tea! This traditional Philippine recipe adds color and flavor to your drink. As you sip, you’ll see why it’s loved in Filipino culture.
Enjoying Your Creation
Admire the rich purple color and unique taste of your ube tea. The traditional Filipino purple yam tea has a comforting mix of nutty and earthy flavors. With each sip, you enjoy a tasty drink and the purple yam tea health benefits.
Sharing with Friends and Family
Don’t keep this delightful drink to yourself. Host a purple yam tea party with loved ones. It’s a great way to share the joy of ube and Filipino flavors. Watch as they marvel at the vibrant color and taste of your homemade tea.
Experimenting with Recipes
Don’t just stick to the basic recipe! Get creative with your ube tea. Try different tea bases or milk alternatives. Add boba pearls for a chewy texture or fruit jellies for sweetness. The possibilities are endless in customizing your purple yam tea. Remember, this is just the start of your ube adventure!
FAQ
What is Purple Yam Tea?
Purple Yam Tea, also known as ube tea, is a Filipino-inspired drink. It mixes the creamy, nutty taste of purple yam (ube) with tea. It’s famous for its bright purple color and special flavor.
Is Purple Yam Tea healthy?
Yes! It’s full of good stuff. Ube is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It has complex carbs, fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and calcium.
The antioxidants in ube might protect cells and lower disease risk.
Can I make Purple Yam Tea vegan?
Absolutely! You can make it vegan by using plant-based milk. Try almond, soy, or oat milk. The coconut milk base is already vegan.
How long does it take to make Purple Yam Tea?
It takes about 40-45 minutes to make. You’ll spend 10 minutes prepping, 15-20 minutes cooking the ube base, and 15 minutes cooling it.
Can I store Purple Yam Tea for later?
Yes, you can! Store the ube base in a sealed container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Freeze it in ice cube trays for up to a month. Then, blend it with fresh milk and tea when you’re ready.
What kind of tea works best for Purple Yam Tea?
You can use many teas for this recipe. Mild green or gentle black tea works well. Try different teas to find your favorite!
Can I turn this into a Bubble Tea?
Definitely! Add cooked tapioca pearls for a fun, chewy twist. It becomes a tasty Bubble Tea version.
Where can I find ube or purple yam?
You can find ube or purple yam in Asian grocery stores or international markets. If fresh ube is hard to find, use ube powder. It’s available online or in specialty stores.