The Ratalu purple yam is also known as Violet yam, Hiaaya, Uhi, kand and Indian purple yam. It is a root vegetable and a member of the Dioscoreaceae family. The yam is essentially the tuber part of the plant, most often storing nutrients and energy in the form of carbohydrates and water, which sustains the plant's growth and ability to survive adverse conditions.
Ube yams have the distinction of having of a purple or lavender color. In the Philippines, the natural sweetness of the ube yam is often used in desserts such as cakes, pastries and ice cream. Also called purple yam, the ube yam appears in cuisines around the world.
