The Banana Tour: Find out about the Work behind the Bananas you Buy at the Market

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Even though bananas have been related to Ecuador's history over the past 50 years, it has been only a few years ago since the association of small-scale banana producers has decided to open its doors to tourists to show them the fantastic world of banana production. To enjoy this curious journey, we get to the provinces of Guayas and El Oro, the south of Ecuador. There, visitors will learn by the words and the work of the producers, how are the bananas cultivated.

The banana tour takes place inside one of the several banana farms of Ecuador. On the way to the farm, we will see the big and endless banana plantations on both sides of the road, with their large leaves forming two bright green lines along the way. A magnificent landscape complemented by the sweet banana smell and the warm climate of Ecuador's coastal region. Once in the farm, the visitor will be introduced to the world of bananas and will be able to follow all its production process from its growth to its harvest and packing, and even watch the bananas being shipped to other countries. To better enjoy this experience, the best days to take the tour are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, when the harvest takes place.

Visitors will also enjoy the simplicity and the warmth of the Ecuadorian agricultural workers, whose hospitality and friendliness will make them feel as part of the banana producing family. At the end of the tour, visitors are invited to participate on the harvest and packing of the fruits, followed by a tasting of products made with them. The visit will end with a delicious homemade lunch in the farm’s dining hall, surrounded by the exuberant nature. The tour lasts 3 hours approximately.

Going through this experience is an excellent opportunity to find out about the customs of the region's inhabitants; learn about the organic production of bananas; feel how it is to live and work in the banana plantations; and be part of this big family, who will always welcome you with arms wide open. Come and enjoy the bananas of Ecuador!

Photo: Fair Trade in Ecuador - Annika

Chocolateland in Ecuador

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Chocolate has certainly become one of the most popular flavors in the world. Countries like Belgium, England, France, Italy and Switzerland have stood out as great chocolate producers. However, since the past 5 years, the eyes of chocolate lovers around the world have also turned to Ecuador.

Despite being a country that provides only a 3% of the world’s total production of cacao –the plant chocolate is made from–, Ecuador happens to be one of the best when it comes to cacao quality and flavor. Ecuador is the world’s number one producer of fine cocoa, with the 63% of the world’s total production.

Ecuador’s fine cocoa, utilized to elaborate chocolate truffles for the Queen of England, has unique secondary flavors that depend directly on the region where the plant has grown, just like it happens with wine. The country has three main spots for the production of high-quality chocolate: the province of Los Rios, that has two well-defined seasons together with volcanic and alluvial terrains and produces a unique, fruit-almond flavored chocolate; the province of Manabí, known for its dry, desert geography that provides a magnificent flower-flavored chocolate with a strong personality; and the province of Esmeraldas, where the most European-like chocolate is produced, due to its resemblance to the African cocoa lands.

This Ecuadorian, 100% organic chocolate is indeed a luxury product. If you have the chance to travel to the coastal region of Ecuador, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a cup of Ecuadorian chocolate made right before your eyes. Watch the cook as he toasts, peels, grinds and melts the cocoa beans to finally pour you a cup of hot, delicious chocolate that will certainly cheer you up. Made from the finest cacao grains once known as “gold beans”, this sweet treat will be a feast to your senses!

Photo: f10n4