This is how many tons of UTD potatoes Durban eats each week

Updated July 2, 2025, 8:20 a.m. | By East Coast Breakfast

Andries Erasmus - Senior Potato Trader with the RSA Group - shared everything about Up To Date potatoes and answered all our burning questions

When you think of potatoes, the first thing that comes to mind might not be a specific variety with a peculiar name, yet there's one kind that's making waves in Durban. It’s the Up To Date (UTD) potato.

In an informative discussion with East Coast Breakfast, Andries Erasmus, a Senior Potato Trader with the RSA Group, shared his insights into why these potatoes are special, where they come from, and what makes them stand out.

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One of the reasons for the popularity of UTD potatoes is their ability to absorb flavours, an essential trait that enhances dishes like curries and stews. They’re loved for their soft, flowery texture and practically melt into the dish.

This trait particularly endears them to Durban's Indian community, among others, as they elevate traditional dishes to new heights.

However, growing UTD potatoes is no easy task. They pose a unique challenge to farmers due to their sensitivity to climate changes and susceptibility to frost. This particular variety faces dwindling cultivation, resulting in its scarcity.

Andries explains that changes in temperature and unexpected weather patterns influence the shape of the potatoes, often resulting in unique, irregular forms.

Despite their quirks, they remain beloved due to the rich and flavorful contributions they make to meals.

The unique attributes of these potatoes lead one to wonder: why not grow them closer to Durban? Andries reveals they are indeed cultivated within KwaZulu-Natal but are subject to seasonal conditions and other growing challenges.

This is why many are imported from the Northern Cape to meet local demand.

Andries also shared a shocking fact: Durban consumes an estimated 150 to 200 tons of these potatoes weekly, showcasing their importance in the local diet.

Listen to the full conversation here:

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These potatoes represent a cultural preference and culinary asset. Their story, from cultivation challenges to final delicious dishes, encourages both consumers and producers to cherish what makes these potatoes shine.

Whether enjoyed in a curry or stew, Up To Date potatoes continue to enrich daily life with their unique charm and flavour, proving that sometimes, the lesser-known gems are those that truly shine.