Course:FNH200/Assignments/2024/Donuts

First donut machine that was ever launched, it is made by a company called Trausch Bakery in 1926, located in Dubuque, Iowa.

Different flavors of donuts (Chocolate Sprinkles, Powdered Sugar, Glazed, and Cinnamon Sugar)

Introduction

Doughnuts, also known as donuts, are a universally cherished sweet treat that have become a staple in many cultures around the world. These delightful pastries are typically deep-fried from a flour-based dough, though variations can be baked, and come in a multitude of shapes, sizes, and flavors. The classic is the ring shaped donut, characterized by its circular shape with a central hole, but filled donuts, often covered in creams and custards, are also exceptionally popular. Whether it’s dusted with sugar, glazed with icing, or filled with rich creams and fruity jams, donuts offer a versatile and indulgent experience for people worldwide.

Common Types of Doughnuts

This table provides a brief overview of the cultural diversity in donut flavors.

Glazed	Chocolate Sprinkles	Boston Cream	Coconut	Jelly
Old Fashioned	Powdered Sugar	Cinnamon Sugar	S'mores	Maple
Blueberry	Strawberry Frosted	Vanilla Frosted	Mocha	Matcha Green Tea
Lemon Glazed	Raspberry Glazed	Chocolate Glazed	Red Velvet	Salted Caramel
Peanut Butter	Pumpkin Spice	Almond Joy	Tiramisu	Bacon Maple
Green Tea	Birthday Cake	Chocolate Mint	Honey Glazed	Buttercream
Caramel Apple	Churro	Pecan Pie	Pistachio	Mango
Banana Cream	Orange Creamsicle	Hazelnut	White Chcolate	Snickerdoodle
Butterscotch	Gingerbread	Earl Grey	Pomegranate	Cherry

History

The history of donuts dates back centuries, with origins that can be traced to various parts of the world. The concept of fried dough can be traced back to ancient civilizations, the earliest known version of fried dough can be found in the ancient Roman and Greek cultures, where they prepared sweetened fried dough balls. Though, the modern day donut we are familiar with is believed to have been influenced by Dutch settlers in early America. They brought with them recipes for “olykoeks”, or oily cakes, which were essentially just fried dough balls stuffed with nuts or fruits. Over time, the recipe of donuts evolved, and the classic iconic ring shape was popularized in the mid-19th century. Legends say that Hanson Gregory, an American ship captain, invented the ring-shaped donut in 1847 to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient lists

Most popular donut flavor (Glazed)

Although donuts can be made in a variety of ways with a multitude of toppings and fillings, the foundation utilizes common ingredients to make the dough. Commercial production of donuts also uses many more ingredients. This includes:

• Yeast
• Water
• Milk
• Sugar
• Salt
• Eggs (egg powder)
• Butter
• Shortening
• Flour (wheat or soy)
• Oil (Vegetable)
• Milk solids (whey powder)
• Raising agents
• Artificial flavours

Processing

1. The ingredients are carefully weighed and measured by digital scales and staff to ensure quality and consistency for the dough of the donuts. The process is done using automated machines that transport and mix these ingredients.
2. The next step is the shaping and formatting of the dough into the correct shape and portions. An interesting fact is that the machines purposely shape the donut with the hole in the center, as opposed to creating a circular shape and then removing the center. Pressurized air is used to create a consistent thickness. Then, an extruder is used to push the donuts out onto trays with a dozen each.
3. The proofing box generates a hot, humid environment to activate the yeast at around 51 degrees Celsius. This process can take up to 30 minutes, giving time for the yeast to ferment by converting sugar into carbon dioxide gas, which aerates the dough, giving it the bread-like texture.
4. The donuts are then fried in oil at around 180 degrees Celsius for roughly 45 seconds on each side.
5. Next is choosing the flavouring. This is where icing and glazing are added.
6. The donuts are then put through a cooling process through a refrigerated tunnel.
7. Finally, the donuts are applied with finishing touches. Additional toppings such as sprinkles or confectionery garnishes are added before they are either packaged or ready to be presented.

Modern Donut machines

Packaging

There are several different ways to package a donut. Using the right material helps to ensure the quality and longevity of freshness of your product. Majority of donut manufacturers utilize cardboard and paper packaging as a safe and easy way to transport donuts. Both paper and cardboard packing also allows for the donuts to remain appealing to consumers and are good for the environment. Many donut industries are beginning to step back from plastic container usage as a means to be more sustainable for the environment. By utilizing both paper and cardboard packing, this waste can be recycled! Food Safety accreditation is a huge component for manufacturers to inquire about. Companies need to have a BRC; “the most stringent food safety certification in the global food packaging sector” .

Culture and Traditions

Donuts have become deeply ingrained in popular culture, often celebrated for their versatility and widespread appeal. They are commonly enjoyed as a breakfast item or a quick snack and have become a symbol of comfort food across many cultures. They can be enjoyed as a simple sugar-coated snack or as a gourmet delicacy adorned with exotic toppings and fillings. Major donut chains like Dunkin donuts and Krispy Kreme have popularized the treat on a global scale, offering a wide range of flavors and styles to cater to diverse tastes amongst different cultures.

National donut day celebrated mainly in the United States on the first Friday of June each year. The event was created by the Salvation Army in Chicago in 1938 to honor those who served doughnuts to soidiers during World War l.

Beyond their culinary appeal, donuts hold a special place in social and cultural traditions. They are often associated with social gatherings, making appearances at social gatherings, breakfast tables, and celebratory events. National donut day, celebrated in the United States on the first Friday of June, highlights the enduring popularity of donuts. This day, initially established to honour the Salvation Army volunteers who served donuts to soldiers during World War I, now has become a celebration of this beloved pastry and its cultural significance.

Exam Question

Q: What is the purpose of the proofing box in the processing of donuts?

a) To create the necessary shape and formation by poking holes in the centre of the dough

b) To improve the texture and maintain moisture by adding water

c) To activate the yeast for fermentation by generating heat and humidity

d) To hold and heat up the oil that is used for frying

e) To flip the donuts while they cool from being refrigerated

Correct answer:

C. To activate the yeast for fermentation by generating heat and humidity

Explanation for this question:

This question is related to understanding what certain technology does to aid the production of food. We learned about the unique functions of different enzymes, chemicals and organisms in food. We learned that yeast causes fermentation by feeding on the sugar, causing it to rise and give it a soft airy texture.