At Be Loved Cacao, every cup begins with intention and choosing Arriba Nacional cacao is no exception. This rare and precious variety from Ecuador isn’t just a flavour choice; it’s a connection to deep roots, ancient wisdom, and powerful nourishment.

So, what exactly is Arriba Nacional cacao, and why does it matter to your daily ritual?

A Heirloom Cacao with Soul

Arriba Nacional cacao is native to Ecuador and is known for its delicate floral aroma and smooth, nutty profile. It’s part of the Nacional variety, a genetically ancient and aromatic cacao that’s been grown in the region for more than 3,500 years.

The name “Arriba” means “upriver,” a nod to how these beans were first transported downriver to the port city of Guayaquil. Traders quickly fell in love with the unique scent and richness of the beans, and soon, this cacao became the heartbeat of Ecuador’s chocolate legacy.

At Be Loved Cacao, we love it for exactly the same reason, it’s smooth, naturally sweet, and feels incredibly gentle on the body.

What Makes Arriba Nacional Cacao Special?

This cacao is unlike any other. Here’s why:

• Flavour: Naturally floral and light, with notes of jasmine, orange blossom, and roasted nuts
• Mood-Boosting: Rich in theobromine, which lifts energy and enhances focus without the crash of caffeine
• Nutrient-Dense: Packed with antioxidants, flavonoids, and magnesium to support heart and brain health
• Ceremonial Quality: Sourced ethically and minimally processed to preserve its sacred properties
• Our Arriba Nacional cacao is always organic, ethically traded, and stone-ground in small batches, which keeps it as close to the Earth as possible.

A Cacao That Almost Disappeared

In the early 20th century, Ecuador’s beloved Nacional trees were nearly wiped out by a fungal disease known as witches’ broom. Farmers turned to hybrid clones like CCN-51, but this differed in taste to Arriba Nacional.

Only a tiny percentage of pure Nacional trees survived, hidden in remote regions. Thanks to local farmers and cacao conservation projects, these rare trees were rediscovered and nurtured back to life.

We work directly with growers who protect and cultivate these original strains, so every cup of Be Loved Cacao helps support their land and legacy.

Why We Choose Arriba Nacional

Arriba Nacional cacao is:
✅Gentle on blood sugar (a question we’re often asked)
✅Rich in compounds that support mood and focus
✅Vibrationally pure for daily or ceremonial use
✅Richer tasting

It’s the cacao we trust in our own rituals and the one we’re honoured to share with you.

Final Sip

Choosing Arriba Nacional cacao is about more than just taste, it’s a choice to honour tradition, support biodiversity, and connect to a cacao that carries thousands of years of story in every bean.

Whether you’re making a warm morning drink, hosting a ceremony, or simply taking a mindful pause in your day, our cacao is here to support your heart, body, and spirit, gently, beautifully, and consistently.

Explore our pure Arriba Nacional cacao and discover the magic yourself.