What is the Ateng coffee varietal?

Ateng is the Indonesian name for a group of Catimor cultivars widely planted in Sumatra and other Indonesian islands. The name derives from "Aceh Tengah" (Central Aceh) - the region where it became most prevalent - and covers multiple sub-types including Ateng Super and Ateng Jaluk.

Catimors are crosses between Caturra and Híbrido de Timor, developed for disease resistance and high productivity. Ateng was adopted widely in Indonesia following leaf rust outbreaks that threatened the country's Arabica production. It does the agronomic job it was designed to do.

The cup quality question is more complicated. Catimors as a group have a reputation for flat, woody, or astringent results - but this varies significantly with altitude and processing. Some Ateng lots from higher elevations in Aceh, properly wet-hulled and well-sorted, produce acceptable specialty cups. What's certain is that Ateng is a significant part of the Sumatran supply chain and often present in lots even when not labelled on the specification.