[3] Remains of ube have been recovered from the Ille Cave archaeological site of Palawan (c. 11,000 BP).

[4][5] The main ingredient is peeled and boiled purple yam which is grated and mashed.

[citation needed] Ube halaya is typically served cold, after refrigeration.

Optional topping includes browned grated coconut, latik, or condensed milk.

[citation needed] Ube halaya is a type of nilupak (mashed/pounded starchy food with coconut milk and sugar) which has several variants that use other types of starchy root crops or fruits.

[15][16] Binagol is a unique version from the Eastern Visayas which use mashed giant taro corms.