Doughnut

Box of Duck Donuts

Introduction

A doughnut, also spelled donut, is a sweet fried dough pastry that is usually shaped in the form of a ring or a ball. It is a popular treat around the world and can be found in various sizes, flavors, and textures.

History

The origins of the doughnut are unclear, but they are believed to have been introduced to America by Dutch settlers in the 19th century. The classic ring shape of the doughnut is attributed to a New England ship captain who created the shape by punching a hole in the center of the pastry to make it easier to cook.

Variations

Doughnuts come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors. Some popular variations include:

Glazed doughnuts - a classic, simple doughnut covered in a sugary glaze Chocolate doughnuts - a doughnut coated in chocolate icing or drizzled with chocolate Jelly-filled doughnuts - a doughnut filled with jelly or jam Old-fashioned doughnuts - a dense, cake-like doughnut with a slightly crunchy exterior Cream-filled doughnuts - a doughnut filled with cream or custard Cronuts - a croissant-doughnut hybrid

Ingredients

The main ingredients in a doughnut include flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and yeast or baking powder. The dough is fried in oil, which gives it a crispy exterior and a soft, doughy interior.

Health Considerations

While doughnuts are a delicious treat, they are not the healthiest option. They are high in calories, sugar, and fat, and can contribute to weight gain and other health problems if consumed in excess.

Cultural Significance

Doughnuts have become a cultural icon in many countries, and are often associated with certain traditions and celebrations. In the United States, for example, National Doughnut Day is celebrated on the first Friday in June, while in Germany, doughnuts are traditionally eaten on New Year's Eve.

Popularity

Doughnuts are a popular treat around the world, and can be found in bakeries, cafes, and fast food restaurants. Major chains such as Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme have become household names and have popularized the doughnut even further.

History

The origin of the doughnut is uncertain. Some believe that Dutch settlers brought a form of the doughnut called oliebollen to North America in the 19th century. However, the first written record of the term "doughnut" was in Washington Irving's 1809 book, "A History of New York," in which he describes doughnuts as "balls of sweetened dough, fried in hog's fat."

Doughnuts were made popular during World War I and II, when American soldiers were served doughnuts by female volunteers known as "Doughnut Girls." These volunteers would fry and serve doughnuts to soldiers in the trenches, providing a small taste of home during wartime.

Varieties

There are many different varieties of doughnuts. Some of the most common types include:

Yeast doughnuts

Yeast doughnuts are made from a dough that uses yeast as a leavening agent. The dough is allowed to rise, giving the doughnut a light and fluffy texture. These doughnuts can be glazed, frosted, or filled with various types of cream or jam.

Cake doughnuts

Cake doughnuts are made with a cake-like batter that is leavened with baking powder instead of yeast. These doughnuts have a denser texture and can be coated in sugar, cinnamon, or other toppings.

Old-fashioned doughnuts

Old-fashioned doughnuts are a type of cake doughnut that is made with sour cream or buttermilk. These doughnuts have a crispy exterior and a moist, tender interior.

Filled doughnuts

Filled doughnuts are made by injecting various types of fillings, such as jam, custard, or cream, into a pre-made doughnut. These doughnuts can be frosted or glazed on the outside.

Glazed doughnuts

Glazed doughnuts are coated in a sweet, sticky glaze that hardens when it cools. The glaze is usually made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

Fritters

Fritters are a type of doughnut that is made by dropping spoonfuls of dough into hot oil. The doughnuts are irregularly shaped and often contain bits of fruit or other ingredients.

Image Gallery

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  Donut_in_black_background

Popularity

Doughnuts are a popular treat in many parts of the world. In the United States, National Doughnut Day is celebrated on the first Friday of June each year. This holiday was established in 1938 by the Salvation Army to honor the Doughnut Girls who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I.

Doughnuts are also a common breakfast food in many countries, often served with coffee or tea. In recent years, artisanal doughnut shops have become popular, offering unique and creative flavor combinations.

Health concerns

Doughnuts are a high-calorie, high-fat food that should be eaten in moderation. A typical glazed doughnut contains around 250-300 calories and 12-15 grams of fat. Doughnuts can also be high in sugar and carbohydrates, which can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes.

Some doughnuts are made with trans fats, which have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. It is important to check the nutritional information of doughnuts before consuming them.

Cultural references

Doughnuts have been referenced in many popular culture mediums, including literature, film, and television. Some notable references include:

In the film "Wayne's World," the characters famously declare their love for doughnuts from the local shop "Stan Mikita's Donuts."

In the television show "The Simpsons," the character Homer Simpson is often seen eating doughnuts.

In the book "The Doughnut Tree" by Allan Ahlberg

References

[1] History of the Doughnut. (2022). National Day Calendar. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-doughnut-day-first-friday-in-june/

[2] Jasti, S., & Mallikarjuna, S. E. (2015). Doughnuts: An Overview. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 52(12), 7599–7609. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-015-1918-1

[3] Morris, A. (2019). The Fascinating History of the Doughnut. BBC Future. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190621-the-fascinating-history-of-the-doughnut

See Also

Pastry Fried dough Cronut

Categories

Pastries Fried foods Snacks

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External links

Nutrition lookup (USDA)