Discover a Tropical Forest
Quinindé
Esmeraldas, Ecuador
"From cool mornings to radiant sunsets, Quinindé moves with joy. Its tropical forest breathes warmth and light, shaping cacao that carries the spirit of light and motion found only in this land."
José Duran
Founder of Durca Chocolate
What is in this terroir?
Origin
From a tropical forests in Quinindé, in the province of Esmeraldas, Ecuador, this origin develops within a landscape of warm air and steady humidity. The region’s gentle sunny climate and fertile terrain shape the character of its cacao.
Processing
Before natural processing, the lot undergoes controlled fermentation to emphasize the cacao’s tropical fruit tones and light floral aroma. Every stage takes place close to origin to preserve freshness and identity.
Cultivo
The Nacional Cacao variety reveals a distinct expression in this tropical terroir. When cultivated under mixed canopy and consistent warmth, it produces cacao with soft nutty notes and bright fruit accents, echoing the living soil and microclimate of Quinindé.
Terroir Origin Story
Region: Esmeraldas, Ecuador
Cacao Variety Cacao Nacional Sanchez
Terrain Type Hills within a tropical forest
Altitude 50–70 m.a.s.l.
Cultivated Area 10 hectares of cacao
Flora Palm trees, rambutan, fig, coconut, guava, and lemon trees
Climate Humid with a natural balance of sun and light rain throughout the year
Temperature 18–31 °C
