Yema spread

Types of yema spreads

The Yema spread is a sweet Filipino delicacy. It is made from egg yolks, sugar, and milk, usually spread on bread or crackers. There are several types of yema spreads for people to try. Each one has a distinct taste and texture.

• Classic yema spread: The classic yema spread is the original version of the recipe. It has a rich and creamy texture. It is made by cooking egg yolks, sugar, and evaporated milk together until thick. It is a popular choice for spreading on bread or crackers.
• Coconut yema spread: Coconut yema spread adds grated or desiccated coconut to the classic mix. The result is a tropical-flavored spread with a slightly chewy texture.
• Mango yema spread: Mango yema spread incorporates ripe mango puree into the traditional yema mixture. It gives the spread a lovely fruitiness and a beautiful golden color.
• Chocolate yema spread: For chocolate lovers, the chocolate yema spread mixes cocoa powder or melted chocolate into the yema mixture. It has a decadent taste and is great for spreading on toast or pancakes.
• Cheese yema spread: The cheese yema spread combines grated cheese, like cheddar, into the yema mixture. It gives the spread a savory flavor. It also contrasts nicely with the sweetness.
• Nuts yema spread: Nutty yema spreads have ground or chopped nuts, like almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts, mixed into the traditional yema recipe. The nuts give a crunchy texture. They also add a pleasant richness to the spread.
• Spiced yema spread: Spiced yema spreads have a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom mixed into the yema mixture. The spices enhance the flavor profile and add warmth to the spread's taste.
• Coffee yema spread: Coffee yema spread is perfect for coffee lovers. It adds instant coffee granules or brewed coffee into the yema mixture. It gives a caffeine kick and a rich, aromatic flavor.

Design of yema spreads

• Colorful jars

  Yema spread comes in various colors and is usually placed inside colorful jars. The usual colors of yema spreads are yellow and orange. But in the case of yema cake and yema-filled pastries, the yema spread is also colored red, green, and white, depending on the ingredient used.

• Branding

  As mentioned, yema spread is placed inside jars, so branding is usually placed on the jar itself. It is a sticker with the logo of the brand that created the yema spread. Some manufacturers even include a little story about how and when they made the yema spread. Some brands even partner with local artists to create a special edition of the yema spread jar.

• Texture

  The texture of the yema spread is smooth and creamy. It is a spread that is easy to apply to any baked goods or pastry. The only exception is when one adds nuts into the yema spread. Then the texture becomes chunky.

• Taste and scent

  The taste of yema spread is sweet. It has a mild scent of citrus due to the yema eggs and the condensed milk. But when added with nuts, the taste is a sweet and nutty flavor with a creamy texture.

Usage scenario of Yema spread

Yema spread can be utilized in diverse ways, making it a versatile food product. It can be used as:

• As a spread:

  The most common way to use yema spread is to use it as a spread. One can use it on top of different pastries and food items like bread, pancakes, waffles, and biscuits. One can also use it as a filling for baked items like donuts, croissants, and puff pastries.

• As a dip:

  Yema spread can also be used as a dip. One can serve it with fresh fruits like bananas, apples, and strawberries. It can also be served with crackers and toasted nuts.

• As a topping:

  Yema spread can also be used as a topping. One can dollop it on top of ice creams, puddings, and cheesecakes. It can also be served on top of pancakes and waffles. Adding yema spread on top of food items will add delicious and creamy sweet flavor to the dish.

• As an ingredient:

  Yema spread can also be used as an ingredient in various dishes. For example, one can add it to make yema spread-flavored milkshakes or smoothies. One can also add it to make delicious and creamy sweet sauces to pour over desserts. Additionally, it can also be added to baked goods like cakes and cookies to give them a unique flavor.

How to choose a yema spread

When selecting the right yema spread, people need to consider the taste, texture, and versatility. These factors will help ensure the spread complements their culinary creations or satisfies their sweet cravings. Start by thinking about the flavor. Traditional yema has a rich, creamy taste made from egg yolks and condensed milk. But now, many different kinds are available. Some have added ingredients like mango, coconut, or chocolate to give them new flavors. Choose a flavor that will go well with what people plan to use it for, whether it's spreading on bread or using it as a topping for desserts.

People also need to think about the consistency of the spread. Yema spreads can be thick and spreadable or soft and sauce-like. A thicker spread works better if people want to use it as a filling in pastries or cakes. But if people want to pour it over pancakes or ice cream, a thinner, sauce-like consistency would be better. Think about how people plan to use the yema spread and choose accordingly. Also, consider how well the spread can be used in different dishes. Yema spreads make great toppings for various things, including waffles, toast, and desserts. Consider what people are planning to mix it with and select a spread that will complement many foods.

Q&A

Q1: What is Yema spread?

A1: Yema spread is a sweet custard spread made from egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk.

Q2: How can Yema be eaten?

A2: Yema can be eaten by itself or as a spread on bread and pastries. It can also be used to top ice cream, or pancakes or fill cakes and crepes.

Q3: What are the flavors of Yema spread available in the market?

A3: The Yema spread comes in various flavors, including the original, mango, ube, and pandan.

Q4: Does Yema spread have any preservatives?

A4: Most commercially produced Yema spreads contain preservatives to extend their shelf life. However, homemade Yema spreads are usually free from preservatives.

Q5: Is Yema spread suitable for vegans?

A5: Yema spread is made from egg yolks, which makes it unsuitable for vegans. There are vegan versions that use egg substitutes.