Cacao Paste - Ecuador • Arriba Nacional

Sourced from Ecuador's legendary cacao forests, celebrated worldwide for its distinguished flavor.

In the world of premium cacao, Arriba Nacional stands in a class of its own. Chocolate connoisseurs worldwide treasure this rare Ecuadorian variety for its sophisticated taste spectrum that unfolds gradually—beginning with delicate floral whispers and evolving into subtle fruit impressions, all wrapped in a velvety smooth consistency. The paste we offer transforms these exceptional beans into their purest expression through careful low-temperature processing techniques that maintain the full spectrum of natural compounds and flavor complexity that industrial processing typically diminishes.

Ecuador's Cacao Heritage: Arriba Nacional cacao has a storied history dating back centuries. Its name "Arriba" (meaning "up river") originated when a Swiss chocolatier, impressed by its aroma, asked where these exceptional beans came from – the answer was simply "arriba," referring to the upriver regions of Ecuador.

✧ Distinctive Flavor Profile Experience a pronounced chocolate taste that's remarkably smooth and accessible, complemented by subtle floral notes and hints of tropical fruit – a direct reflection of the diverse ecosystem where these trees grow.

✧ Superior Texture This paste melts beautifully, offering a silky consistency perfect for crafting premium chocolate creations or enhancing beverages with a luxurious mouthfeel.

✧ Exceptional Purity Made exclusively from whole cacao beans, this paste contains nothing but pure cacao with its natural balance of fats, fiber, and beneficial compounds intact.

✧ Culinary Versatility From ceremonial preparations to gourmet desserts, this paste provides a solid foundation for countless applications while delivering authentic Arriba Nacional character.

✧ Forest Garden Approach: Nurtured beneath a canopy of companion plants including citrus, avocado, and mango trees that naturally influence the cacao's distinctive aromatic qualities

✧ Community Partnership Network: Working directly with Conexión Chocolate to support a network of over 2000 family farmers across Ecuador's coastal Los Ríos, Manabí, and Esmeraldas regions

✧ Wildlife Sanctuary Effect: The integrated growing system creates protected zones where 72+ bird species thrive, maintaining Ecuador's delicate ecological balance

✧ Genetic Heritage Conservation: Actively participating in the international Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund to safeguard ancient cacao genetics facing extinction

For Homemade Chocolate: Melt and combine with a sweetener of choice and optional add-ins for custom artisanal chocolate bars or truffles.

For Rich Beverages: Add a small piece to hot water or plant milk with spices for an authentic hot chocolate experience with unparalleled depth.

For Culinary Applications: Incorporate into desserts or even savory dishes like mole sauce to add complexity and rich chocolate notes.

⊹ Unroasted - low-temperature processed

⊹ Deep character, intense chocolate flavor

⊹ Vegan and gluten-free

⊹ Rich in magnesium and iron

Ingredients: 100% raw cacao mass* (*From organic cultivation)

Country of origin: Ecuador

Contents: 500 grams or 1000 grams

By choosing Natudos Arriba Nacional cacao paste, you support sustainable farming practices that preserve both Ecuador's precious cacao heritage and its natural rainforest environment.