ECUADOR LAND OF THE “ARRIBA COCOA”
The Arriba Cocoa, also known as “Cacao Fino de Aroma”, “Cacao Arriba” or "Cacao Nacional Arriba" is an emblematic product of Ecuador and unique in the world. Unlike conventional or 'bulk' cocoa, Arriba Cocoa it's a fine or flavour category. It's characterized by its purity, its flavor and the fragrance that cocoa has, which has been recognized internationally. Due to the geographical conditions and the wealth of natural resources, Ecuador is the quintessential producer of "Arriba Cocoa". Is the oldest and most exotic variety of cocoa in the world, it is part of our history, of our culture, we consider it our ancestral fruit.
Archaeologists have found evidence that shows that “Arriba Cocoa” dates back to 5,300 years BC, from the famous Valdivia culture settled in the provinces of Manabí, Los Ríos, Guayas….
Due to its floral aroma and its exotic flavor profile, it is appreciated and used for the best refined chocolates in the world.
WHY “ARRIBA COCOA”?
It is said, that when the cocoa buyers waited in the boats to pick up the cocoa that came down the river, and asked the peasants about the cocoa that had that unparalleled aroma, they replied: “es el de río Arriba” or “el de Arriba”, referring to the fact that it came upriver from the basins of the Guayas river and that is how they began to identify it as “Arriba Cocoa”.
HOW IS THE ARRIBA COCOA?
Arriba Cocoa, or also known as "Pepa de Oro", are identified by their bright yellow colors. They are defined by the richness of their flavors and aromas, such as their notable sour and sweet, fruity, floral, herbal and woody notes, delicate roasted flavors. Its unique flavor and aroma varies depending on the region, and the altitude of its farming. Also it's due to the water sources, the soil, the weather, the surrounding plants, and the microorganisms present in this environment. That is the reason why chocolate with fine or flavour cocoa is a profound sensory experience.
WHERE IS THE “ARRIBA COCOA” FOUND?
Due to the geographical conditions and the richness in biological resources, Ecuador is the "Land of Cocoa". It's the first producer of fine or flavour cocoa in the world, since more than 70% of the world production of this category of cocoa is concentrated in its territory. The production area of this cocoa was the Guayas river basin, in Vinces and other cantons of the province of Los Ríos, and it was transported through this river to Guayaquil to be exported. The province of Los Ríos continues to be one of the most important in the production of this cocoa.
The fertile soils of the coast, the mountains, the sea level, the tropical climate, the humidity, the nutrients and the wide variety of fruits and flowers make our country the ideal place for growing Arriba Cacao. In Ecuador, we can find it in some regions of the mountains, coasts and amazon such as: Manabí, Esmeraldas, Los Rios, Guayas, El Oro, Orellana, Sucumbios, and Pichincha.
Our Bean to Bar Single Region Organic VALDIVIAN Chocolate Bars, come from four regions of Arriba Cocoa farming: Manabí Dark 72%, Los Ríos Dark 74%, Orellana Dark 76% and Esmeraldas Dark 78%.
Wait for more VALDIVIAN Chocolate coming soon...