When you bite into your favorite kind of doughnut, you're probably not thinking of much—besides how delicious it is! But have you ever stopped to think beyond the frosting and sprinkles to wonder why this baked treat always has a hole in the middle?
To better understand the modern-day version of the doughnut, we must look to the past. Many historians attribute the doughnut to Hanson Gregory, a Dutch sea captain who's said to have invented the doughnut in 1847. Legend has it that Gregory, facing rough seas, impaled his cake onto the wheel of his ship for safekeeping. From this simple action, the doughnut's now-ubiquitous hole was borne.
From a more practical standpoint, the hole of a doughnut is said to promote more even cooking. Stuffing a doughnut with fruit or nuts is also known to prevent dough-y middles.
Hungry History: Donuts [A&E]
Why Do Doughnuts Have Holes? [TIFO]
Why Do Donuts Have Holes In The Middle? [Knows Why?]
The Story of the Doughnut [Social Studies for Kids]
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