Manabí in coastal Ecuador grows coffee at unusually low altitudes for specialty coffee — sometimes below 600 m — yet the native Nacional variety, a heritage cultivar unique to Ecuador, produces flavors unlike any other. Ecuador's unique position on the equator with Pacific influence creates a terroir that defies conventional altitude rules. The fine-flavor heritage of Ecuadorian coffee is slowly being rediscovered by specialty roasters.
Ecuador's Nacional variety is genetically distinct from most commercial arabica lines and thrives at lower altitudes than typical specialty coffee. The floral-chocolate complexity is a direct expression of Manabí's unique coastal terroir and this rare cultivar.