Belle lives in the moment, embracing each experience with joy and curiosity, and is excited to meet you! She is a social butterfly, but don't let that fool you; she has a deep and abiding interest in stories and people, and that energy spurs her to make friends wherever she goes, especially over a good mug of tea or cocoa. Inspired by the Admirable Bolete mushroom and the sweet-tooth of her guardian Nilla, Belle's tea blend combines her two favorite drinks into one! Refreshing spearmint and peppermint swirl together with rich cocoa nibs, bringing a touch of holiday sweetness to your teacup.

Exploring the Admirable Bolete Mushroom

Commonly known as the Admirable Bolete, the Bragger's Bolete, and the Velvet Top, this mushroom is an edible species of fungus in the Boletaceae mushroom family. The fruit body has several distinctive characteristics: a dark reddish-brown cap, yellow to greenish-yellow pores on the undersurface of the cap, and a reddish-brown stem with long narrow striping. It is typically found in coniferous forests along the Pacific Coast of North America and in Asia. Unusually for boletes, this species sometimes appears to fruit on the wood or woody debris of Hemlock trees, suggesting a saprobic lifestyle, meaning it helps to break down complex plant matter and decompose it to feed other plants! Despite this, it is mycorrhizal, meaning it forms a close association with the tree's roots and helps support the larger plant.

Description and Ecology

The bulk of Aureoboletus mirabilis exists as mycelium, forming the active feeding and growing structures of the fungus. The fruit bodies, or mushrooms, are created solely for the production of spores. The caps of the fruit bodies are quite larger, red or brownish-red, initially rounded but flattening out as they develop. The cap surface is rough and can be slippery or slimy in young specimens, drying and becoming velvety in older specimens. The underside of the cap is initially pale yellowish, becoming greenish-yellow with age. The stem can be quite tall, typically thickest at the base and tapering upward. It starts out bulbous but becomes more equal in width as it matures. The surface is dry and often roughened and pitted, with wrinkling near the top of the stem.

 In Belle's World Imagine Belle, with her vibrant personality and zest for life, passing out mugs of her favorite blend to a room full of excited guests. The aroma of mint and cocoa fills the air, evoking memories of festive holidays and warm gatherings. The Admirable Bolete mushroom, with its beautiful green and brown hues, sits on the mantelpiece, a symbol of nature's marvels. Each sip of the tea brings a sense of joy and comfort, much like Belle's presence in any moment.

Share Your Festive Moments

Have you enjoyed Mirabelle’s Mint Cocoa Tea? We invite you to share your festive moments and joyful experiences with our community. Join us by using #morelitea and spread the cheer of comforting flavors with Belle's delightful blend.