Donut (can also be spelled as “doughnut”) is a type of fried dough dessert. The modern donut, especially its ring-shaped variety, is often attributed to Dutch settlers in early America. They brought with them a recipe for “olykoeks” or “oil cakes,” which were essentially balls of sweet dough fried in pork fat.
The donut as we know it today is believed to have been popularized in the mid-19th century. A widely accepted story credits a New England ship captain named Hanson Gregory with inventing the ring-shaped donut in 1847. Frustrated by the raw centers of traditional fried dough, he supposedly punched a hole in the middle, allowing for more even cooking. This practical innovation gave rise to the donut’s iconic shape.
The donut became firmly embedded in American culture during the First World War. Volunteers from the Salvation Army served donuts to soldiers, earning them the nickname “doughboys.” The treat’s popularity surged, and by the 1920s, donuts were being mass-produced, thanks to the advent of donut-making machines.
Donuts come in many varieties today, including filled, topped, and cake donuts. While traditional flavors like glazed, chocolate, and powdered sugar remain favorites, the culinary creativity of the 21st century has led to gourmet versions with exotic fillings and toppings.
“Krispy Kreme” and “Dunkin’ Donuts” are two of the most famous chains specializing in donuts. “Krispy Kreme”, founded in 1937 in North Carolina, is known for its light and airy glazed donuts. “Dunkin’ Donuts”, established in 1950 in Massachusetts, offers a wide range of donuts and coffee beverages.
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