IMAGE: ALAMY. WORDS: NEIL DAVEY
T RY IT NOW
Ecuadorian chocolate
KNOWN AS THE MOTHERLAND OF CHOCOLATE, ECUADOR IS HOME TO ONE OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS VARIETIES OF CACAO BEAN
Ecuador’s relationship with cacao goes back millennia. The country was hailed as the cradle of chocolate in 2018, when archaeological research rerouted the origins of the delicacy from Central America to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Traces of cacao were found on ancient pottery utilised by the Indigenous Mayo-Chinchipe civilisation, indicating it was being grown for food, drink or medicine over 5,300 years ago — some 1,500 years earlier than previously believed. But Ecuadorian chocolate had a strong
reputation even before this discovery. The country is the birthplace of nacional, the world’s rarest bean variety. Considered virtually extinct for a century following an outbreak of disease in the plant, old-growth
nacional trees were rediscovered around 15 years ago in Piedra de Plata, in the Arriba cacao-growing region. With complex aromas and fl avours — think smoke and spice with notes of jasmine — and little to no bitterness, it’s often viewed as the best cacao out there. This allows Ecuador’s production to punch
well above its weight. Once the leading exporter of cacao beans, today the country grows less than 10% of the world’s cacao. Yet, that amount alone accounts for around 65% of the highest-quality chocolate sold globally. Invigorated by recent developments,
Ecuadorian farmers, chocolatiers and chefs are getting creative — with a host of chocolate shops, tours and experiences across the country to show for it.
FOUR TO TRY
CARDENAS CHOCOLATE For a sense of Ecuadorian cocoa’s appeal, this chocolate company is a good starting point. Based in the province of Manabí, Cardenas works with local producers to create award- winning bars of single-origin Arriba nacional chocolate.
cardenaschocolate.com
EL QUETZAL DE MINDO This company offers cacao-themed tours high in an Andean village. Observe the chocolate-making process and take part in guided tastings; for a more hands-on experience, learn how to roast and grind cocoa beans to make the ancient xocolatl beverage.
elquetzaldemindo.com
CHOKOLAT Local cocoa is celebrated in all its forms at this shop, with six locations in and around the city of Guayaquil. There are cakes, muffins, truffles and tasting boxes, plus hot chocolate kits should you wish to recreate the experience at home.
chokolat.com.ec
TO’AK CHOCOLATE A Quito-based purveyor of tree-to- bar chocolate, To’ak sources pods from heirloom nacional trees. Its Chocolate & Art Experience includes a private tour of the former residence of artist Oswaldo Guayasamín, followed by tastings of the brand’s high-end bars.
toakchocolate.com
ECUADOR 2023 9
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