Discovery Coffee - Rwanda Sholi Cooperative - Light Roast (340g)

Sholi Cooperative is located in Muhanga district, Southern Province, in the center of Rwanda, about halfway between Kigali and Lake Kivu. Established in 2008, Sholi has been producing coffee for nearly a decade. Sholi was born out of a women's association called “Kundwa”, which means “love” in the local language. Today, roughly half of Sholi's members are women, including two of the five board members. In addition to coffee trees at the farm level (which average ~410 per female member), the women's association has two communal plots for harvesting and producing coffee, with over 6,000 trees as of 2021.

Coffee processing at Sholi is unique in that once the arriving coffees have been pulped, and sorted for quality, they are then dry fermented for 12-18 hours before being soaked, picked on raised beds, and left to dry for 21-25 days depending on the weather. The cooperative has continued to invest in its long-term agriculture, with over 400,000 trees already planted, and more coming each year.

Sholi coffees have some of the deepest citrus acidity seen from the great lakes countries, shining with ruby red grapefruit and juicy blood orange. Additional layers of mango, orange, and dark berry are balanced by notes of honey and a lavender-like finish.

The Cooperative received its Fairtrade certification in 2015 and Rainforest Alliance certification in 2016, and Organic certification in 2020. Using Fairtrade funds, members have started an apiary project as well as distributed cows to members.

In 2016, Sholi received a grant to build both a community center and a regional health center to serve members and residents. Capable of providing blood tests and treatment for malaria, parasites, respiratory infection, and basic first aid. While the community center covers education for nutrition and things like cooking programs to combat early childhood malnutrition.

• Origin: Rwanda (Single-Origin)
• Region: Muhanga
• Tasting Notes: Dried mango, churro, milk chocolate
• Roast Level: Light
• Elevation: 1800 - 2000 MASL
• Producer: Sholi Cooperative
• Process: Washed

ABOUT DISCOVERY COFFEE:

Discovery hand selects their green beans from farmers worldwide and roast them in-house, at their freshest. Discovery introduces its customers to new coffees and unique brews every day by roasting in small batches and pairing beans to specific brew methods. Discovery is always finding ways to push the boundaries on what good coffee can offer, progressively educating their staff, and in turn, their customers. Discovery Coffee is excited to be an integral part of growing an already flourishing coffee scene in Victoria, BC.