Yay! It's National Donut Day!

Most of us don't need much persuasion to eat donuts - Those warm gooey fried treats filled with custard and jelly or just dipped in sugar glaze. But, incase you do need some convincing, here is a good reason - Today, June 1st, is National Donut Day!

Surprisingly, this American 'holiday' that is celebrated on the first Friday of June every year, is not a marketing ploy conjured up by big donut companies, but a tradition that dates all the way back to World War One, when the Salvation Army first introduced the treats to the soldiers.

Then, in 1938 when the Great Depression was at its peak, the Chicago Salvation Army decided to use this now coveted treat to raise funds. It has since become a revered US tradition and people all over the country celebrate it by . . . . . . . Simply enjoying a few (dozen?) donuts! What's even better is that Dunkin Donuts, Krispy Kreme and even some neighborhood stores, give out free donuts all day!

If you are one of the minority that simply does not like donuts, get into the charity spirit - Sell donuts to your friends and neighbors and donate the proceeds to your local Salvation Army. After all, it's thanks to their ingenious idea that we have this yummy holiday!

While donuts are an American tradition, many countries around the world have donut-like treats that they devour. In the horn of Africa (Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Eritrea), ball-shaped Lagayamats are fried and covered with powdered sugar, while in TunisiaYo-Yo's, are smothered in honey or even sesame seeds. India's sweet treat called Gulab Jamun, is essentially donut holes dipped in thick sugar syrup. Indonesians make their Donut Kentang with mashed potatoes and flour and, . . . . . . . the list goes on and on. The moral of the story? You can celebrate this yummy American tradition no matter where you live!

Happy Donut Day!

Resources: wikipedia.org, ehow.com