Our "Ecuador Month" continues with the El Oro bar from Republica del Cacao.  Among biodiverse Ecuador's many treasures is the Arriba cacao bean, a strain noted ( and named) for its remarkable aroma.  Begun in 2004, Republica del Cacao aims to preserve and develop the Arriba bean and Ecuador's historic cacao industry. Through extensive research the company was able to identify three regions that produce outstanding cacao.  They've since partnered with small farmers in those areas to improve planting, harvesting, collection, and fermentation techniques.