El Paso's Growing Interest in Ube: A New Culinary Trend Emerges

Ube, a purple yam from the Philippines, is gaining popularity globally, with El Paso residents increasingly interested in its culinary potential. Jeffrey Cesari, inspired by an ube latte he tried in Istanbul, is working to launch his own ube latte mix called Ube Signature Paris by June. Despite a surge in demand, the supply chain for ube is struggling to keep up, with production in the Philippines declining by 6.7% in 2025. As local farmers face challenges in growing ube due to financial constraints and market access, initiatives are underway to boost production and connect farmers directly with consumers. El Paso food enthusiasts may want to explore local offerings as ube becomes a trendy ingredient in cafes and restaurants.

Key Details: • Ube Signature Paris is expected to launch by the end of June. • Ube production in the Philippines declined by 6.7% in 2025. • Local farmers face financial challenges, impacting ube supply. • Ube is becoming a trendy ingredient in cafes, similar to matcha.