June 3 is National Donut Day

By: Henry Isaacson

June 3rd is for more than just finals this year.

This June 3, 2016 just happens to be National Donut Day. Donuts have been around for nearly as long as 10,000 years during the Native American time, and have continued to be a popular treat nationwide.

Other than the Native donut, the earliest known donut was created in Netherlands under the name of olykoeks, or “oily cakes.” Donuts then came to America, and thrived in the New England region.

Mark Isreal, owner of Doughnut Plant, cuts out doughnuts at his shop on New York's Lower East Side, Friday Jan. 12, 2007. Isreal has been making trans-fat-free, all-natural doughnuts for a dozen years. He says he's seen consumers warm to the idea of his doughnuts in recent years, as organic foods have gained mainstream acceptance. Treats like Isreal's doughnuts are becoming more common in the U.S., as government regulators try to ban artery-clogging trans fats. Coffeehouse chain Starbucks recently announced it is about halfway through a multiyear plan to phase out trans fats in the doughnuts and other food sold in its U.S. stores. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) — Mark Isreal, owner of Doughnut Plant, cuts out doughnuts at his shop on New York’s Lower East Side, Friday Jan. 12, 2007. Isreal has been making trans-fat-free, all-natural doughnuts for a dozen years. He says he’s seen consumers warm to the idea of his doughnuts in recent years, as organic foods have gained mainstream acceptance. Treats like Isreal’s doughnuts are becoming more common in the U.S., as government regulators try to ban artery-clogging trans fats. Coffeehouse chain Starbucks recently announced it is about halfway through a multiyear plan to phase out trans fats in the doughnuts and other food sold in its U.S. stores. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Elizabeth Gregory was a ship captain’s mother who lived in New England at the time. She was known for her rich treat, and was said to put nuts all over her olykoeks, in hand creating the modern name, the donut.

Her son Hanson Gregory, also having impact on the creation of the donut, was said to be the one to create the hole in the middle. He would cut out the hole, trying to improve its edibility or just to save ingredients.

The idea of the donut didn’t really start to spread until Adolph Levitt came along. Levitt was born in Russia, then moved and became a U.S. citizen. He lived in New York City and created the first donut machine in 1920. This machine led to the donut being named “The Hit Food” of the century at the Chicago’s World Fair in 1934.

Nowadays, the donut continues to be a popular dessert, with over 10 billion donuts made each year. Dunkin’ Donuts is the primary donut seller, controlling around 60% of the market. It adds to the 391,257,600 dollars of unit sales per year posted by CNBC. Other rival companies like Krispy Kreme and Entenmann’s continue to challenge Dunkin’ Donuts in the donut making game.

Besides raking in cash, the donut has been the catalyst for many guinness world records. In 2007, the world’s tallest stack of donuts was created. It stood 43.5 inches tall, and was created in dedication of The Simpsons Movie. Also, in 2009, Kuwait Food Co. created the world’s largest box of donuts, weighing over 297 lbs. These records and more can be found at newsweek.com.

The donut has also brought along many rumors, including the most popular; cops love donuts. As it turns out, the cops brought it on themselves. Because cops could be called on to the job at any time, they were forced to eat at someplace that was fast, and open throughout the night. Donut shops were the place for them, and it turns out that the daily dose of donuts just stuck.

Donuts will continue to stick around, filling up the stomachs of Americans. To wrap things up, Homer Simpson from The Simpson television show shares his thoughts. “Mmmmmm… Donuts,” said Simpson.

The Broadcaster

The Broadcaster

June 3 is National Donut Day