Fall is in full swing, and one New Englander wants to make sure you get your seasonally appropriate treats in the most efficient way possible.
What is it? The New England Cider Donut Map is exactly what it sounds like, a resource to help you get access to the fall confection.
- It was created by self-proclaimed "cider donuteur" Alex Schwartz, who started the project in 2020, categorizing the more than 350 options between a fresh and warm option, or a pre-baked store variety.
Here's the map, which you can save in Google Maps:
What are they saying? Schwartz spoke to Sacha Pfeiffer on All Things Considered about where their inspiration for the project came from, and why they love the sweet treats so dearly.
On what makes a good cider donut:
A great apple cider donut — you're going to look at what's the fry level. What's the density of the crumb of the donut? Does the apple taste in the batter actually come through? But I think the most important element is actually the environment and the way that you're receiving it, right? Like, if they make them hot and fresh directly in front of you at the orchard. That's a very different experience from buying them at a Shaw's when they're cold in a plastic box.
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On the furthest they have driven for a cider donut:
I mean, I've been all around New England to northern Vermont. There's some great places up there. If you're familiar with the maple creemee*, you can get a maple creemee and a cider donut.
*Creemee pictured and described below:
And their insights for the optimal donut consumption experience:
I think it should be eaten slowly. Maybe close your eyes to feel the breeze and the wind and the crunchy leaves under your feet while you're eating the donut.
I think the optimal experience is eating it on-site when it's fresh. But there is a little secret, which I'll give: A little life hack to folks is if you have a donut from the day before, put it in the microwave for 10 seconds. You get that hot experience again.
So, what now?
- Schwartz also reviews the donuts they experience on their Instagram, guiding followers to the best bits of fried dough.
- And the map could soon expand beyond New England.
- "I mean, any place where apples grow and orchards are located, you're going to have the apple cider donut as a possibility. So, you know, Washington state, New York state — I think maybe there's some worldwide expansion to be had here. Who knows?"
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