Region and Country
Guayas, Los Rios Province, Ecuador
Story
The Tsáchila population is dispersed among 7 communes: Búa, Chiguilpe, Poste, Peripe, Otongo Mapali, Congoma and Naranjos. These beans are collected from these 7 different communes. Cocoa is grown alongside other crops such as plantain, cassava, yams, peppers, maize and rice. Tsáchila men are distinguished by a very particular hairstyle that they achieve by shaping their hair into a helmet-like feature with a mix of grease and achiote seeds. Spaniards called the Tsáchilas the “Colorados” because they used to cover their entire bodies in achiote juice.
Harvest
March – June (main crop), December – January (mid-crop)
Genetics
Arriba Nacional and CCN51
Post Harvesting Process
After harvest the beans are fermented in wooden boxes and turned every 24 hours. Drying is done in sunlight to optimize flavour and aromas.
Flavour
Mild body with a medium chocolate base with notes of spiced biscuit, wood and nuts and slight floral and fruit hints.
