Sometimes the internet really can be a force for good. In recent months, we’ve written about a map that displays Big Mac prices around the country, a map that tracks egg prices amidst inflation, and even a map that shows when the ice cream machine at any given McDonald’s is out of order (which is a lot). Now, behold the glory of the apple cider doughnut map.
As NPR reported last week, an interactive map created by “Cider Donuteur” Alex Schwartz maps cider doughnuts throughout New England, a region heavy with apple orchards and, therefore, cider doughnuts.
Schwartz’s Instagram bio describes themselves as “Just a plaid-wearing autumn human documenting their life-long mission to try every cider donut.” Trying every cider doughnut is a mission I didn’t know I could accept, but Schwartz has opened my eyes to my greater purpose as a resident of New England. And thanks to their map, that mission will be easier to navigate.
An aspect of the map that I particularly appreciate is the way it differentiates between hot and fresh cider doughnuts made on site, noted with a blue marker, and premade bakery cider doughnuts transported to the business in question, noted with a purple marker. The former are absolutely worth seeking out if the map shows options nearby. But it’s good to know that the latter exists, too—after all, just because you aren’t near an orchard doesn’t necessarily mean you’re far from a tasty cider doughnut.
Schwartz told NPR that they are partial to the hot and fresh variety, and that the doughnuts are best eaten intentionally, amid nature.
“I think it should be eaten slowly,” Schwartz told NPR. “Maybe close your eyes to feel the breeze and the wind and the crunchy leaves under your feet while you’re eating the donut.”
Just following that beautiful bit of imagery, Schwartz shared another piece of genius advice for enjoying this autumn treat to the fullest: “If you have a donut from the day before, put it in the microwave for 10 seconds. You get that hot experience again.” I’m happy to know both an aficionado such as Schwartz and the inimitable Liz Lemon share my passion for the briefly microwaved, piping-hot doughnut.
For the freshest of the fresh apple cider doughnuts, you can go ahead and make them at home, but for the rest of us, it’s nice that someone has done the most thorough consumer research imaginable.