The Hole Story: The Sweet and Greasy History of Donuts The Hole Story

Donuts have been a quintessential part of our breakfast for generations, but have you ever stopped to wonder where donuts come from? They are so ubiquitous that it's easy to forget that they have a rich history, dating back hundreds of years. In this one-shot blog post, we are going to delve deep into the history of donuts, from the first fried dough to the gourmet delicacies we see today.

The first version of the "donut" began in Holland in the 17th century, the Dutch called them "oily cakes," or "oliekoeken." These were simply round balls of fried dough that were filled with nuts or fruit. The "donut," as we know it, got its name because the center of the oily cake was removed, creating the distinctive hole. This innovation is often credited to a humble American Sea Captain, named Hanson Gregory, who in 1847 punched out the middle of his doughy treat using the lid of a round container. The first donuts made it to America when the Dutch settlers came to New Amsterdam, which later became known as New York City.

The first donut machine was invented and patented by Adolph Levitt in 1920 and allowed donuts to be mass-produced for the first time. In the years that followed, donuts became increasingly popular with the masses and they could be found at road-side diners, mom-and-pop shops, and bakeries across America.

During World War I, donuts became an integral part of American support for troops. Salvation Army volunteers made thousands of donuts every day for the soldiers, which earned them the nickname "Donut Lassies." They would often fry donuts outdoors in large pots, serving up hot, fresh treats to any soldier who wanted them. The popularity of donuts skyrocketed during this time, and it was a time when they rose to the height of their popularity in American culture.

In the 21st century, donuts have taken on a new life as gourmet treats. Flavors like bacon and maple, salted caramel, and even Sriracha have become the norm in bakeries across America. Even fast-food chains and speciality shops have gotten on board with their own unique takes on the classic donut. Today, the humble donut has become a gourmet delicacy, with chefs and bakers competing to create the perfect mixture of sweet and savory that will keep customers coming back for more.

The donut is a classic American treat that has come a long way since its humble origins. From the means of sustaining soldiers during times of war to the focal point of the modern breakfast, the donut has an interesting and rich history that sugar-coats our lives with its sweetness. Whether you like them glazed, sprinkled, or filled, we all have our favorite pastry. We can't forget these round sweets that have brought joy to millions for years - and with the invention of new flavors and variations, the future looks even sweeter. So, the next time you sink your teeth into a fresh donut, take the time to appreciate the history behind the sugary delight. A hole lot of hard work went into the making of this decadent treat, and it's definitely one dish that has stood the test of time.

https://coda.io/@shawn-mike/a-comprehensive-guide-to-history-of-doughnuts-don-t-know-who-inv#:~:text=Complete%20History%20of%20Donuts&text=According%20to%20a%20theory%20available,with%20honey%20or%20fish%20sauce.

https://thewaycroft.com/most-popular-donut-flavor/

https://womensmemorial.org/donuts-food-of-the-frontline/#:~:text=With%20limited%20ingredients%20and%20supplies,in%20the%20American%20war%20effort.