Doughnuts are a natural crowd pleaser -- they're warm, sugary, versatile and absolutely delicious. So it's no surprise that the food holiday gods (who we suspect are just random people with access to the Internet) have dedicated November 5 as Doughnut Appreciation Day.
But although it's likely we all have shown our favorite fried dough appreciation in one way or another, how much do you really know about this classic treat? We've put together 10 doughnut facts you probably don't know, but definitely should. So pull up a chair, grab a glazed or jelly-filled treat, and become a certified doughnut connoisseur.
1
Boston, MA has the most doughnut shops per person
sodahead.com
250 total, which is the equivalent of one per every 2,480 people. via sodahead.com
2
During WWI, they were fed to American soldiers
Tumblr: Ms. Nina
The Salvation Army 'Doughnut Girls' fed hungry and homesick soldiers this fried dough during WWI. via msniiina.tumblr.com
3
They used to be called 'olykoeks'
Tumblr: Can We Start Over?
When they first came to America, they were called this Dutch word meaning 'oily cakes.' via janicequay.tumblr.com
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4
Both 'donut' and 'doughnut' are acceptable spellings
weheartit.com
'Donut' is just a shortened version, popularized in the 20th century by Dunkin' Donuts. via weheartit.com
5
June 7th is National Donut Day
Tumblr: Tani Kay
Today is Donut Appreciation Day -- totally different. via tanikayforever.tumblr.com
6
Dunkin' Donuts was once named 'Open Kettle'
An Exercise in Nostalgia
They started selling donuts under their modern name in 1950. via yaydrienne.tumblr.com
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7
They may have originally been a mistake
Tumblr: All Things Roxy
One story reportedly tells of a cow who kicked over a pot of oil into a mixture of pastry. via theroxy.tumblr.com
8
Americans eat a LOT of doughnuts
Tumblr: That Scene From Twin Peaks
Over 10 billion are made in the U.S. each year. via twinpeakscaptioned.tumblr.com
9
People are named Doughnut/Donut
Tumblr: yaydrienne
Although to be fair, only around 10 as of 2011. via yaydrienne.tumblr.com
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