Ecuador and more precisely the province of Los Rios. The very dark beans are reminiscent of those of the Forastero varieties, but the Nacional Arriba has the organoleptic sensitivity of the Criollos. Historically, the dried beans were brought by boat along the Babahoyo River to the main port of Guayaquil. "Arriba" means "which comes from above" and characterizes the unique taste of these cocoa beans. Their taste particularity: notes of honey, orange blossom, candied citrus fruits, (citron, orange) white flowers with a very slight acidity.
