Ana’s Twist

Ana was born in Ecuador and grew up in Quito where she learned her kitchen skills and love of cooking from her mother and grandmother. As a child, Ana loved watching and helping them to prepare delicious meals. At 101 years old, her grandmother still cooks amazing food with fresh ingredients. She makes healthy juices using just fresh veggies and fruits that are always ready for a mid-morning drink. Her mother loves to prepare all kinds of Ecuadorian sweet traditions that make everybody happy. 

Ana went on to study Naturopathy and Holistic food in Ecuador. Ana strongly believes in natural remedies for a healthy body. She uses only natural products for her and her family and is pleased to share this healthy lifestyle with her daughter.

In Ecuador, Ana’s and her husband Mauricio opened an ice cream shop, specializing in local, natural ingredients. Ana became famous for her 750 flavors, using simple, seasonal products and transforming their aromas, colors, and textures of richness and diversity of Ecuadorian flavors. The shop has since closed, but since her move to Virginia, Ana’s love for food and heritage drove her to start her business, Ana’s Twist. After a series of pop-ups with the Ecuadorian Embassy and local farmer market opportunities, she created a tasting menu using seasonal products that enhanced her favorite Ecuadorian flavors. Ana’s daughter enjoys helping to cook and is the official taste tester! If her daughter says it’s delicious, it will be a success!