Molecular Identification, Phytochemical Profiling, and Organoleptic Evaluation of Arabica Coffee (Coffea arabica) from Timor Leste

Arabica coffee is the oldest coffee species cultivated in Timor-Leste and is distributed from midland to highland regions. Alongside Arabica, several cultivars such as Catimor, Hibrido de Timor (HdT), and Kartika have been traditionally grown, often mixed within the same plots, leading to new genotypes with unique phenotypes. Accurate identification and characterization of Arabica coffee thus require combined morphological, molecular, and phytochemical analyses. This study involved morphological characterization, molecular identification using matK and rbcL primers, phytochemical profiling by GC-MS, and antioxidant activity assessment via the DPPH method. The organoleptic evaluation was also conducted through hedonic testing. Molecular analysis with matK primers showed that all four samples were genetically closest to Coffea arabica and Coffea eugenioides, while rbcL analysis indicated the Ainaro sample's closest similarity to Coffea environmental. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of caffeine, linoleic acid, and eicosadienoic acid in all samples. Antioxidant compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, and tannins were detected across samples, with the highest antioxidant capacity found in the Ermera sample (3616.26 mg/L GAEAC). The Aileu sample demonstrated the most potent free radical scavenging activity, with the lowest IC₅₀ value (68.38 ppm). Organoleptic testing highlighted Ermera coffee's superior color, taste, and aroma, with 67% of panelists rating it as very good. These findings contribute to the comprehensive profiling and quality assessment of Arabica coffee cultivars in Timor-Leste.