Oreo

Oreo () is an American sandwich cookie consisting of two (usually chocolate) wafers or biscuits with a sweet crème filling. Introduced on March 6, 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. Oreo cookies are available in over one hundred countries. 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, New York City factory in the present-day Chelsea Market complex, located on Ninth Avenue between 15th and 16th Streets.