From Nomenclature To World War Connection: 5 Doughnut Facts That Will Blow Your Mind

By Moureen N

Doughnuts are probably one of the most common favorite delicacies in the world, with hardly any person found who would easily pass on the delicate and tasteful dish. But there still remain some interesting facts that one might not know about doughnuts. 

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1. The holes in doughnuts are there for a reason

With many versions of stories available as to why holes were created in the center of the doughnut, culinary historian Linda Civitello studied that the hole in the center was created in order to ensure that the rate of cooking remained constant as inconsistency had been noted earlier over the taste of the center and the edges.

2. The nomenclature of the dish

The Americans credit the dish to the Dutch, who used to call it ‘olykoeks’ (Oily Cakes) as they were sweet flour balls fried in oil or lard.

3. Doughnuts can kill

The majority of the doughnuts challenge the ‘Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)’ and are heavy in calories and sugar content as well, which has led to many dieticians recommending sharing of doughnuts to lessen the damage.

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4. The Doughnut and Police connection

In the 1950s, when doughnuts were becoming highly popular, shops opened around 3-4 AM to prepare for the morning rush. So they became a good place for the night duty patrolling officers to recharge themselves with an excellent carb-filled meal to complete their shift, thus associating the police and doughnuts.

5. The connection to the World Wars

The Salvation Army Volunteers in World War 1 used to send doughnuts to the French soldiers, which led to the volunteers being nicknamed ‘Doughnut Lassies.’ During World War 2, the job was overtaken by the Red Cross Volunteers, and many veterans retired with a doughnut shop of their own.