Donuts originated from ancient fried dough treats enjoyed by civilizations like the Greeks and Romans. The modern donut as we know it is traced back to Dutch immigrants in the 17th century who brought "olykoeks" or "oil cakes" to America, which were fried dough balls. The hole in the middle of the donut was invented in the mid-19th century by an American ship captain, Hanson Gregory, to help the donut cook more evenly. This innovation created the distinctive ring-shaped donut popular today.
Early Origins
- Ancient Greeks and Romans enjoyed fried dough soaked in honey.
- The Bible references oil and dough combinations, indicating early forms of fried dough pastries.
European Influence and Dutch Immigrants
- By the 16th century, European bakers made fruit or nut-filled fried dough pastries.
- Dutch immigrants introduced "olykoeks" (oil cakes) to America in the 17th century, which were deep-fried dough balls cooked in pork fat.
The Invention of the Hole
- Hanson Gregory, in 1847, punched a hole in the dough to solve the problem of raw centers in fried dough lumps.
- This ring-shaped form improved cooking and texture, becoming the classic donut shape.
Popularization in America
- The donut grew in popularity in the 20th century with the rise of donut shops and chains such as Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy Kreme.
- Automated donut-making machines in 1920 helped make donuts widely accessible.
Thus, while fried dough has roots in many ancient cultures, the donut in its modern ring shape originated in America, evolving from Dutch culinary traditions.
