Everything to Know About Donuts
Fun Donut Trivia For Kids
(1) The earliest version can be traced to 17th-century Dutch immigrants.
Called olykoeks, balls of dough filled with with fruit and nuts are considered, by some historians, the very first semblance. Although they were a far cry from what we enjoy today, in terms of both form and flavor, they were the original donuts by most accounts. It is believed that leftover dough for bread was fried in oil and served up with a a middle left soggy and undercooked. A woman, who was the mother of a sea captain from New England, is credited with scooping out the unappealing middle and replacing it with nuts, spices, and other tasty nuggets.
(2) Donuts were an inexpensive breakfast food for the working class.
Doughnuts were once considered the hit food of the century. When automated machines began mass-producing donuts in the early 1900s, working class people consumed these breakfast cakes in mass quantities. They were inexpensive, filling, and convenient to eat before staring a long, laborious day of work.
(3) The most expensive donut costs almost $1,700.
The concept behind this novelty creation was both promotional and charitable in nature. A fancy London department store sells this delicacy filled with Dom Perignon jelly. As if this wasn't indulgent enough, there are frosted edible diamonds that add a sparkling effect, along with 24 carat gold leaves that adorn white chocolate flowers dusted in gold on top.
(4) More than 10 billion donuts are consumed by Americans every year.
Breaking down the math, this equates to every single person eating 63 donuts annually. Obvious conclusions can be drawn about the fact that plenty of people are eating a multiplier of this number to compensate for those who steer clear of this high caloric food. Still, more than 207 million individuals in the US reportedly indulge in the treat from time to time.
(5) Donuts are almost always deep fried in neutral flavored oils or fats.
There is no such thing as a healthy donut, at least one that tastes good anyway. Ingredients aside, the cooking process itself is known for producing delicious, albeit fatty, foods full of flavor. Peanut, vegetable, and canola oils are popular choices due to the high smoke point. Old-fashioned cake varieties are almost always fried in fat. Palm oil is another option because the saturated fat enables the glaze and toppings to adhere more easily to the dough.
(6) Some of the strangest donut flavors around are not stocked on grocery store shelves.
The most common boxed varieties are stocked for a reason- they appeal to the masses. Glazed, powered, and chocolate frosted flavors are always plentiful in in the packaged snack aisle. For more a more expansive selection, head out to a local chain or bakery to find jelly filled, strawberry frosted, or peanut topped treats. But for the especially curious, it is worth seeking out an artisanal dessert shop where creative juices are flowing in the kitchen. Here you will find some of the weirdest creations including: hibiscus, maple bacon, blueberry basil, mango chili, lavender green tea, raspberry liqueur, pumpkin candy seed, cereal coated, and pizza!
(7) Boston has the highest number of donut shops per capita.
For every 2,480 people living in the city, there is one bakery ready to serve up a delicious morning treat with a cup of coffee to start the day off right. Dunkin' is the most populous restaurant with a presence seemingly on every street corner. But the city is also well-known for personally owned businesses and smaller franchises with expansive menus. Some of the spots Bostonians recommend include Donuts with a Difference, Twin Donuts, Kane's Donuts, Doughboy Donuts, Union Square Donuts, and Blackbird Doughnuts.
(8) National Donut Day is the first Friday in June.
National Donut Day isn't just about enjoying a sweet treat; it's an annual observance with a heartfelt history. Established in 1938 by The Salvation Army in Chicago, this day was created with a dual purpose: to honor the "Donut Lassies" of World War I and to raise funds for those in need during the Great Depression Today, you'll find many donut shops, from large chains to local bakeries, offering free donuts or special deals on National Donut Day. While it's a fantastic excuse to indulge, The Salvation Army continues to use the day to raise awareness and funds for its ongoing social services, helping vulnerable individuals and families across the country.
(9) The donut hole was invented by a 16-year-old American sailor.
The distinctive donut hole we know today has an interesting origin story, often attributed to 16-year-old American sailor Hanson Gregory in 1847. Legend has it that Gregory, fed up with the uncooked centers of traditional donuts, used a ship's tin pepper box to punch a hole in the middle. This clever trick ensured the donuts cooked evenly all the way through.
(10) The Salvation Army sponsors a World Donut Eating Championship every year.
