About this episode
The classic ring-shaped donut with a hole in the center was invented in 1847 by a 16-year-old American cabin boy named Hansen Gregory. Frustrated by the raw, doughy centers of the fried pastries prepared for his sea voyages, Gregory used the top of a tin pepper box to punch a hole through the middle of the dough before frying it. This allowed the pastry to cook evenly, eliminating the uncooked center. While standard wheat flour remains the most common ingredient today, a unique variation emerged in 1940 when brothers Al and Bob Pelton introduced "Spudnuts," a donut made with mashed potatoes. The potato starch absorbed and retained moisture better than regular flour, creating a pastry that stayed exceptionally soft on the inside and crisp on the outside.
The cultural association between police officers and donut shops began in the 1940s and 1950s due to practical safety and convenience. As police departments transitioned to motorized night patrols, officers working the graveyard shift needed well-lit, safe locations to complete paperwork and eat. Local donut shops were among the few businesses open 24 hours a day to prepare for the morning rush. This created a mutually beneficial relationship: shop owners welcomed the police presence for added late-night security, while officers appreciated a warm place to rest and recharge. Today, the popularity of donuts extends globally, with Canada actually consuming more donuts per capita and hosting more donut stores per person than any other country.
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