Description
Hacienda El Castillo is located in the Cerecita Valley to the west of Guayaquil, on the route to the Pacific beaches. The marine air has a distinctive effect on the local climate, which is generally dry. Cultivation in the area is only possible through advanced irrigation systems. This dry climate is beneficial for cacao farming, as it helps prevent the spread of diseases that typically require high humidity. These unique climatic and geographical conditions have made the Cerecita Valley a growing cacao hub.
In addition to this variety and the valley itself, the Hacienda El Castillo contributes to the special character of the chocolate produced there. The mix of fruit trees, such as mango, papaya, bananas, and citrus, spread across the plantation influences the cacao's flavor. Furthermore, the rich diversity of local flora, protected within the surrounding forest reserve and integrated into the plantation, enhances the cacao's unique, natural taste, giving it a distinctive personality.
This farm operates entirely under ecological farming principles and also promotes eco-tourism as an additional income stream for many local residents. Winner of the 2024 Cacao Award, Ecuador "Pepa de Oro".
These beans have been fermented and sun-dried. They have NOT BEEN roasted, and are a raw agricultural product for further processing.
