Oreo - online puzzles
An Oreo () is a sandwich cookie consisting of two (usually chocolate) wafers with a sweet crème filling. Introduced in 1912, Oreo is the best selling cookie brand in the United States. As of 2018, the version sold in the U.S. is made by the Nabisco division of Mondelez International.
Oreos are available in over one hundred countries; in some countries, such as the United Kingdom, they are referred to as Oreo biscuits. Many varieties of Oreo cookies have been produced, and limited-edition runs have become popular in the 21st century.
Etymology
The origin of the name Oreo is unknown, but there are many hypotheses, including derivations from the French word or, meaning gold, or from an Ancient Greek root meaning mountain. Others believe that the cookie was named Oreo simply because the name was short and easy to pronounce. Another theory, proposed by food writer Stella Parks, is that the name derives from the Latin Oreodaphne, a genus of the laurel family. She observes that the original design of the Oreo includes a laurel wreath; and the names of several of Nabisco's cookies at the time of the original Oreo had botanical derivations, including Avena, Lotus, and Helicon (from Heliconia).
History
Twentieth century
The "Oreo Biscuit" was first developed and produced by the National Biscuit Company (today known as Nabisco) in 1912 at its Chelsea, Manhattan factory in the current-day Chelsea Market complex, located on Ninth Avenue between 15th and 16th Streets.