Doughnuts have been enjoyed around the world for centuries. Despite their modern popularity and association with American culture, the origins of doughnuts can be traced back to ancient civilizations.
The exact origins of doughnuts are unclear, but there is evidence to suggest that they have been enjoyed in various forms for thousands of years. In ancient Greece, a type of sweet, fried cake called "lokma" was a popular dessert. The ancient Romans also had a sweet, fried pastry called "globus dulcis" that was similar to modern doughnuts.
Doughnuts as we know them today began to take shape in the Middle Ages. In the 16th century, Dutch settlers in North America brought a version of the "olykoek" (oily cake), a sweet, fried pastry made with fat and filled with fruit or honey, to the New World. Over time, these pastries evolved into the doughnuts we know today.
The doughnut as we know it today has its roots in 19th century New England. In 1847, a ship captain named Hanson Gregory claimed to have invented the doughnut hole, saying that he punched a hole in the center of the doughnuts to make them cook more evenly. This innovation made doughnuts easier to cook and more popular, and by the early 20th century, doughnuts were a common treat in the United States.
The evolution of doughnuts continued in the 20th century. In the 1920s, the doughnut machine was invented, which made it possible to mass-produce doughnuts quickly and efficiently. In the 1940s, the advent of the doughnut shop brought doughnuts to the mainstream, and they became a popular breakfast and snack food.
Today, doughnuts are enjoyed around the world and come in many different shapes, sizes, and flavors. From classic glazed doughnuts to creative and unique flavors like crème brûlée and red velvet, there is a doughnut for everyone.
Despite their long history and evolution, doughnuts remain a beloved treat that continues to evolve and delight people of all ages. Whether you prefer them plain or filled with jam, glazed or powdered, doughnuts are a delicious and enduring part of culinary history.