Why does a doughnut have a hole in the middle

Why would the makers of the delicacy want to keep us away from a chunk of goodness from a whole doughnut? Turns out that it was a deliberate move by a certain American sailor way back in the 19th century.

And we all have much to thank him for the novel idea. The most popular theory behind the hole in the doughnut is credited to Captain Hanson Gregory, a native of Maine and a sailor on the American shores. Incidentally, the original doughnuts were whole pieces of sweetened flour dough , fried deep in oil, and were referred to as fried cakes. When the cakes were fried, they used to turn up fine around the edges, but in the middle the dough would remain raw.

Gregory himself is quoted in a Washington Post article from saying, "[I] cut into the middle of that doughnut the first hole ever seen by mortal eyes! But hey, I think I'll choose to believe that the doughnut hole was a happy accident resulting from a terrible storm and a man who couldn't bear to lose his doughnuts even if it meant risking his life.

Whatever theory you decide to believe, one thing is for certain: doughnuts are one of the best desserts ever created. Don't forget to pay homage to Captain Gregory and his mom on National Doughnut Day on November 5th by going out to get some doughnuts or by baking your own. Coffee Tea Perfect for when you're Too Sober See All Drinks. Dining Hall Dorm Lyfe Perfect for when you're Broke See All How To. See All Videos. They have a generous helping of raspberry jam inside and are smothered in caster sugar.

I think you are very close to right about doughnuts having holes so they could easily be stacked on wooden dowels, but as my African grandmother told me when I was a kid on the beach and asking her about it, it would have been so the beach vendors could carry them on a stick with one hand, while carrying a basket of bottled water with the other. So it seems the holes in the doughnuts came about for the practicality of transport more than for ease of display.

I think the government wants all the older citizens to get indigestion from their doughnut holes. Ok, maybe donuts have holes so they can be stacked on a dowel like bagels…. One way or the other, someone had to start making something with holes in the center for some reason other in imitation of something else.

Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Why Do Doughnuts Have Holes? May 31, Daven Hiskey 33 comments.