An iconic sweet
The donut is one of the most iconic sweets in American culture. It has transcended its status as food to become a true pop culture icon. From the cops in The Simpsons to the workers in The Office, the donut has left a mark on society. However, although it may seem very American, its origin and arrival in Spain have an interesting story to tell.
A visionary from Lleida
The donut came to our homes thanks to Andreu Costafreda i Montoliu, a businessman and visionary from Alfarràs (Segrià). During a trip to the United States, Andreu discovered a very peculiar brioche with a hole in the center. This brioche, known as Dognuts, sparked his interest and he decided to adapt the idea to bring it to Catalonia.
The origin of the hole
The original donut did not have the characteristic hole in the center. It is believed that this hole was the result of chance and the ingenuity of a single person: Hanson Gregory, a very clever sailor. Gregory pinched a part of the center of some raw pieces of brioche that he had to fry, and when he cooked them he realized that the brioche was perfectly cooked everywhere. This trick became popular in the United States and became the traditional way of making donuts.
The legacy of Andreu Costafreda
Andreu Costafreda was responsible for bringing the idea of the donut to Europe and making it a success. His business vision and passion for baking led him to create one of the best-known and most popular candy brands in Spain. Thanks to his work, the donut has become part of the collective imagination and a sweet beloved by everyone.