The History of Doughnuts

Recent questions

• What is the history of doughnuts?

  Doughnuts have a rich history dating back to ancient Roman globi, Chinese fried honey-cakes, and Middle Eastern fritters. The evolution of doughnuts includes Spanish bunols, German krapfen, Dutch oliekoeken, and American doughnuts influenced by various European fried doughs. Washington Irving's 'History of New York' in 1809 mentions the Dutch origins of American doughnuts, but the name 'doughnut' is of English origin. The myth of Captain Hanson Gregory creating the doughnut hole in 1847 by removing uncooked dough from the center persists in doughnut history. Doughnuts were surprisingly popular on whaling ships, with a tradition of frying them in whale oil to celebrate milestones. Shortening replaced whale oil as the preferred frying oil for doughnuts, with Cream Crisp being a notable brand before Procter and Gamble's Crisco dominated the market. During WWI, Salvation Army members fried doughnuts for homesick troops, earning the nickname "doughnut lassies" or "doughnut dollies." Adolf Levitt's automatic doughnut machine revolutionized doughnut production, becoming immensely popular and leading to the widespread availability of doughnuts in the US.

• How are doughnuts traditionally made?

  Doughnuts are traditionally made by following a recipe that includes ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, yeast, water, milk, and lard. The doughnut recipe requires kneading the dough, proofing it for 1-2 hours, dividing it, shaping it into small cakes, and proofing it again for 15-20 minutes. The doughnuts are then fried in lard at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 minute per side. The standard form of most doughnuts involves a hole in the center, allowing oil to evenly cook the doughnut from the center out. This traditional method of making doughnuts has evolved over time, influenced by various cultures and historical events.

• Who invented the doughnut hole?

  The myth of Captain Hanson Gregory creating the doughnut hole in 1847 by removing uncooked dough from the center persists in doughnut history. While the exact origins of the doughnut hole are debated, this story has become a popular part of doughnut folklore. The idea of removing the center of the doughnut to ensure even cooking and a more consistent shape has been attributed to Gregory, contributing to the evolution of the doughnut as we know it today.

• What role did doughnuts play in historical events?

  Doughnuts have played various roles in historical events, such as being popular on whaling ships where they were fried in whale oil to celebrate milestones. During WWI, Salvation Army members fried doughnuts for homesick troops, earning the nickname "doughnut lassies" or "doughnut dollies." These acts of kindness provided comfort to soldiers and boosted morale during challenging times. The history of doughnuts intertwines with significant moments in the past, showcasing their cultural significance beyond just a sweet treat.

• How did doughnut production change over time?

  Doughnut production underwent significant changes over time, with advancements like Adolf Levitt's automatic doughnut machine revolutionizing the process. This innovation made doughnut production more efficient and led to the widespread availability of doughnuts in the US. Additionally, the shift from using whale oil to shortening as the preferred frying oil for doughnuts marked a change in the industry. Brands like Cream Crisp and Procter and Gamble's Crisco played pivotal roles in shaping the way doughnuts were produced and consumed. These changes reflect the evolution of doughnut manufacturing and its impact on the market.