Nacional Arriba "Hacienda Zoilita"
The Hacienda „Zoilita“ is located in the north of the province of Los Ríos in Ecuador. It was founded 40 years ago, with all the trees planted then still present today. The Hacienda Zoilita therefore consists of 100% native Arriba cocoa trees. Modern hybrids are not grown on the farm.
The idea is to preserve the precious quality of the pure Nacional Arriba variety in Ecuador, which has become very rare nowadays.
The Hacienda Zoilita is 220 hectares in size. Cocoa trees are grown on 160 hectares of this area, the rest is used to cultivate teak and papaya. The Arriba Nacional is harvested in two periods:
The winter harvest in the rainy season (until April) and the summer harvest (September - December).
Aromatic profile
Genetically, the Nacional Arriba a Forastero. However, the flavors are much finer and despite various attempts to cultivate the cocoa in other countries as well, the Nacional Arriba its aroma exclusively in Ecuador. It is characterized by its beautifully rounded fruity flavor, which is supported with the help of cocoa aromatic, floral and nutty nuances. The low acidity and bitterness further emphasize the aroma.
| Aroma intensity | Meaning |
| 0 | none present |
| 1 | just a trace, may not be found again |
| 2 | present in the sample |
| 3–5 | clearly characterizing the sample |
| 6–8 | dominant |
| 9–10 | maximum, you experienced in the sample |
Cocoa aromatic
4
Fruity
6
Floral
4
Nutty
4
Caramel
Spicy
Bitter
2
Astringent
Acidic
2
