She Strengthens

The Sweet Rise of Fried Dough Delights

Fried dough treats have been a staple in cultures around the world for centuries, with each region boasting its own unique twist. In the United States, doughnuts have become a beloved favorite, with sales reaching a staggering $16 billion in 2015.

Unraveling the Mystery of Doughnut Origins

Food historians have long debated the birthplace of the doughnut. Michael Krondl, author of “The Donut: History, Recipes, and Lore from Boston to Berlin,” suggests that the concept of fried dough dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. However, the term “doughnut” appears to have originated in northeastern England around 1750.

Another theory proposes that the Dutch were the true inventors of the doughnut. Peter G. Rose, a food historian, points to a 1667 Dutch cookbook featuring a recipe for olykoek, fried dough balls filled with sweetmeats. Dutch immigrants brought this recipe to the Hudson River Valley in the 17th century, where it evolved into the doughnut we know today.

The American Twist

New Englanders added their own spin to the doughnut recipe around 1830, incorporating leavening to make the dough rise more quickly. The hole in the doughnut, a distinctive feature, was likely added to ensure even cooking.

Tall Tales and True Stories

One legend claims that Hanson Gregory, a young sailor from Maine, invented the hole in the doughnut by piercing its center with a spoke of his captain’s wheel. However, Gregory later revealed that this story was pure fiction. Another tale, involving New England whaling ships in the 19th century, tells of captains rewarding their crew with doughnuts fried in hot whale oil.

Doughnut Frenzy

Our love affair with doughnuts is nothing new. In the 1930s, the National Dunking Association promoted the idea of dunking doughnuts in coffee, tea, or milk. Today, brands like Dunkin’ Donuts sell millions of doughnuts globally each year. Patricia Healy, senior director of integrated marketing for Dunkin’ Brands, attributes the recent surge in doughnut popularity to nostalgia and flavor innovation.

The Future of Fried Dough

As market trends continue to favor the doughnut, we can’t help but wonder what the next innovation will be. With regional specialties and creative flavor combinations, the possibilities seem endless. So go ahead, indulge in a box of crullers with your coworkers and enjoy the sweet ride of fried dough delights.