The mushroom mysticism in Santa Claus' origin story 🎄

Hi there 🍄 

This week’s highlights include wine pairings for eight mushrooms and a new study on chronic pain and psilocybin.

The mushroom mysticism in Santa Claus’ origin story

Where did Santa come from? 🎅 While there are a lot of oral traditions about Christmastime, perhaps the most convincing is Santa Claus’ Arctic origins. Imagine our ol’ Saint Nick not just as a jolly fella, but as an Arctic shaman whose arrival you’d wait for all year.

Some of our most cherished Christmas symbols may trace their origins back to this winter solstice ritual. These shamans revered the Amanita muscaria mushroom for its psychoactive properties and they’d distribute these mushrooms as gifts to the village, often having to slide through roof openings of snow-blocked dwellings, something that sounds an awful lot like how Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

⛄️ Arctic connections

• Santa's appearance 🍄 Santa’s red and white suit, the holiday itself, and the classic emoji share the colors of Amanita muscaria.

• Christmas trees and ornaments 🎄 Shamans used pine tree boughs to dry the mushrooms, resembling the act of hanging ornaments and hanging greenery inside.

• Flying reindeer 🦌 The concept of flying reindeer in Christmas could be a metaphor of the hallucinogenic experiences. Reindeer have a known habit of consuming Amanita muscaria and in folklore, they’re also known to be spirit animals.

• Gift giving 🎁 The act of wrapping and giving presents is similar to how the Arctic shamans gifted mushrooms to their villages during winter solstice.

• The chimney ❄️ Shamans distributed said gifts often through the roof openings of snow-covered dwellings. Seems pretty convincing…

Read more about Santa’s origin story. 

Shiitakes and a buttery Chard

Red or white? 🍷 Whether you’re eating the fruits of your ethical foraging or indulging in Aunt Michelle’s roasted vinegar shiitakes on Christmas Eve, there’s a wine to pair with your mushroom.

• Chanterelles

  • Pair with Viognier, Chenin Blanc, and Shiraz.

  • Chanterelles have a slightly peppery or light, mineral fruitiness, excelling in sautés and pairing well with bolder whites and Shiraz for its tannic qualities and balance of fruit and spice​​.

• Lion’s Mane

  • Pair with Pinot Grigio and White Rioja.

  • Commonly used as a vegan substitute for lobster and crab, these mushrooms pair well with light whites having tropical fruit profiles​​.

• Maitakes:

  • Pair with Sauvignon Blanc and Burgundy.

  • Also known as hen of the woods, these earthy mushrooms have a peppery profile and go well with medium-bodied, crisp wines​​.

• Morels:

  • Pair with Sparkling wine, Champagne, Riesling, and Pinot Noir.

  • Fresh morels have a smoky essence, suitable for grilling and pairing with wines that provide a lift, such as Reisling, Champagne, and Pinot Noir with a long, smooth finish​​.

• Oysters:

  • Pair with Beaujolais, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Dry Rosé.

  • These mushrooms have a slightly briny flavor and can be cooked in various ways, pairing well with bright, fruity reds and dry rosé​​.

• Porcinis:

  • Pair with Grüner Veltliner, Barolo, and Sangiovese.

  • Porcini mushrooms are often used in smooth mushroom risottos or as toppings, pairing well with the nutty flavors of these Italian reds and herbaceous white wine​​.

• Portobellos:

  • Pair with Chardonnay, Viognier, Nebbiolo, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

  • Known for their meaty texture, these mushrooms pair well with wines having a lot of character, including both reds and whites​​.

• Shiitakes:

  • Pair with Chardonnay and Syrah.

  • Shiitake mushrooms are known for their umami flavor, pairing well with a buttery Chardonnay and a complementing Syrah​​.

Read more about pairing mushrooms with wine. 

Around the web

• 💟 A new study was published on the pain-relieving effects of LSD and psilocybin, highlighting their potential as treatments for chronic pain. Unlike opioids, which show decreased effectiveness over time, LSD and psilocybin's efficacy increases with repeated treatments. The study, published in the South African Medical Journal, explores the history and mechanisms of action of these substances, noting their ability to not just reduce pain but also manage the experience of pain more holistically. The article emphasizes the multidimensional nature of pain and how these psychedelic substances address psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of pain management.

• 🧺 A food poisoning outbreak at Dave's Sushi in Bozeman, Montana, resulted in two deaths and 51 people falling ill and brought attention to the risks associated with morel mushrooms. The FDA's investigation indicated that undercooked or raw morels were likely responsible, leading to the issuance of the first guidelines on preparing morels. The incident reveals a lack of widespread knowledge about the potential dangers of morels, even among chefs, as well as the broader uncertainty about the toxicity of various mushroom species in North America. The North American Mycological Association's records show that while morel poisonings are relatively rare, they do occur, underscoring the importance of proper preparation and cooking to mitigate risks.

• 🎸 Rolling Stone published the second part to the mushroom vocabulary guide, “The Shroom Boom Market Guide.” If you need a refresher as you consider adding new mushroom supplements to your routine, it’s a great read.