1. The Hole is Not Just for Show: It’s a Technological Innovation
The distinctive shape of the donut serves a specific purpose. In 1847, American sailor Hanson Gregory pierced a piece of fried dough with the lid of a can to ensure even cooking. This gave birth to the modern donut, with the hole allowing heat to reach the center uniformly and preventing an undercooked interior while the exterior browns.
2. The First Donuts Originated in New York
In 1920, Russian immigrant Adolph Levitt established the first store in New York dedicated solely to selling donuts. He also designed the first automated machine for mass production, marking the beginning of a multimillion-dollar industry.
Donas
3. The Donut Day Was Born During War
This celebration was not invented by modern marketing. In fact, the Donut Day was established in 1938 by the Salvation Army in Chicago as a tribute to the “Doughnut Lassies”: volunteer women who prepared and served donuts to American soldiers during World War I. Their work not only fed but also comforted thousands of fighters.
4. There Are Gold-Plated Donuts
In London, the Dum Dum Donutterie created the world’s most expensive donut: covered in 24-karat gold, edible diamonds, and crystallized champagne. It sold for over 1,500 dollars. In other countries, versions with foie gras, caviar, or red wine infusions exist.
5. The Cronut Fever
In 2013, chef Dominique Ansel fused two icons of French and American baking: the croissant and the donut. The “cronut” was born, a creation that generated two-hour lines in New York and became so popular that the chef trademarked it.
6. Donuts Have Their Own Museum
Yes, it exists. In 2017, a “Doughnut Museum Pop-Up” opened in Los Angeles, an immersive and interactive experience dedicated to donuts. With themed rooms, history, and selfie spots, it was a box office and Instagram success.
7. Mexico Produces Over 600,000 Donuts Daily
Krispy Kreme Mexico is currently the largest producer in the country. With more than 275 stores and a presence in over 942 points of sale, its production capacity reaches 50,000 dozens daily, or 600,000 fresh donut pieces made every day. The best-seller is their classic Glazed Original.
Donuts: A Mexican Favorite
This translates to each person consuming between 8.4 and 10 kilograms of donuts annually, which is approximately 140 to 167 pieces a year based on an average weight of 60 grams per piece. In Mexico, a donut is consumed every 2 to 3 days.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of the hole in a donut? The hole, or “cushion,” allows for even cooking and prevents an undercooked interior.
- Where did donuts originate? Donuts have roots in both French and American baking traditions, with the modern shape popularized by sailor Hanson Gregory in 1847.
- Who established the first donut-only store? Adolph Levitt, a Russian immigrant in New York, opened the first donut-only store in 1920 and designed the first automated machine for mass production.
- What is the history of Donut Day? The Salvation Army in Chicago established Donut Day in 1938 to honor “Doughnut Lassies” who served donuts to American soldiers during World War I.
- Are there extravagant donuts? Yes, high-end establishments like London’s Dum Dum Donutterie have created gold-plated, edible diamond-covered donuts for over 1,500 dollars.
- What is the cronut? The cronut is a hybrid creation by chef Dominique Ansel, combining the croissant and donut, which became incredibly popular in New York.
- Is there a donut museum? Yes, the “Doughnut Museum Pop-Up” in Los Angeles is a dedicated immersive and interactive experience celebrating donuts.
- How many donuts does Mexico consume daily? Krispy Kreme Mexico produces over 600,000 donuts daily, with each person consuming approximately 8.4 to 10 kilograms of donuts annually in Mexico.
