It was the first week of January. The New Year revelry had died down but I was still craving for “ube halaya” or purple yam jam, a popular Filipino dessert which is in the same league as leche flan (Filipino version of creme brulee). Sadly, the popular ones that were commercially available were using too much food coloring and were too sweet that the natural delicious taste of ube didn’t come ou
t anymore. And so I decided to make my own. From Sophie’s kitchen. And it was a hit! Family and friends have been asking when we will start selling the goodies we have been churning out from Sophie’s kitchen. And this year, we are finally starting with our first product - Sophie’s Chunky Ube. Ube has innumerable health benefits. For one, it is rich in antioxidants. To quote a study conducted at Kansas University, it is “said to help prevent DNA damage, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer. They also contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and high levels of potassium. And since it contains a lot of fiber, ube yams help foster a good environment for probiotic bacteria. Its vibrant purple color is also an indication that it contains lots of anthocyanins – a chemical that helps reverse cognitive and motor function decline (due to aging).”
And so, we are making Sophie’s Chunky Ube available for all. As for my initial craving? Well, it has turned into hunger - a hunger to help alleviate poverty and also to raise awareness for mental health issues - two causes that are close to my heart. By buying purple yam or ube from local farmers, we help improve their current plight. Initial proceeds will go to impoverished communities in Maddela, Quirino. But we hope to reach more communities as we expand as well as promote another cause which is to raise awareness for mental health issues and break the stigma surrounding it. Hope you will join us in this journey and be an Ube Warrior - a Sophie’s Chunky Ube Brand Ambassador! Love,
Sophie’s Mom
