The Donut as an Icon of American Culture
The donut is recognized as one of the most emblematic sweets of American culture. From the characters of The Simpsons to the workers of The Office, this delicacy has transcended its nutritional function to become a symbol of popular culture.
The Arrival of the Donut in Catalonia
Despite its association with the United States, the donut entered Catalonia thanks to the businessman and visionary from Lleida, Andreu Costafreda i Montoliu. The son of bakers, he discovered this delicacy during a trip to the United States and decided to adapt it for the Catalan market.
A Careful Origin
Dognuts, as they were originally known, were round sweets with a hole in the middle, an idea believed to have originated in the Netherlands. However, it was in the middle of the 19th century, when this delicacy migrated to the United States, that it acquired its characteristic shape with the central hole.
The Ingenuity of the Sailor
The previous version of the donut faced the challenge of being well fried in the center. It is said that Hanson Gregory, a sailor, solved this problem by chance by pinching a part of the center of some raw pieces that he had to fry. This technique quickly became popular and ended up becoming the donut we know today.
The Legacy in Catalonia
More than a century later, Andreu Costafreda brought this idea to Catalonia and established one of the most recognized candy brands in the entire state. Its success has contributed to integrating this sweet into the collective imagination in Catalonia and making it part of the territory’s gastronomic culture.
