Gastropod Raised and Glazed: Don’t Doubt the Doughnut
Oct 10, 2023
This podcast explores the history and cultural significance of doughnuts, including their origins in different cultures and their association with holidays. It also discusses the success of Cambodian American indie donut shops in California and the cultural significance of donuts in America.
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Savory Donut History
- Early donuts sometimes contained surprising ingredients like spinach, apples, fish, and spices.
- These savory donuts were more like an early version of energy bars, reflecting the historical scarcity of sugar.
Donuts as Holiday Treats
- Frying dough in oil was historically expensive, making donuts a special treat associated with holidays and communal gatherings.
- This tradition continues today with sufganiyot during Hanukkah and other fried treats during Ramadan and Fat Tuesday.
Donut Name Origins
- Washington Irving's 1809 book mentions "donuts or oly koeks," but an earlier recipe from 1803 suggests the term predates his writing.
- The name might derive from placing a nut in the dough's center, their walnut-like size, or both.