How American Crops Changed Europe

Pineapples, pumpkins, squash, sunflower, tobacco, maize, potatoes, tomatoes, vanilla and cacao – these are some of the world’s most recognizable crops – and they are all from the Americas. Introduced to Europe beginning in 1493, these crops had a direct impact on European society, culture and food, first as luxury goods for the royal and noble classes, and later on the general public's diet. “Beginning in 1492, the Columbian Exchange became a complex, multidirectional process linking the New...