History of Europe

What were Western Europeans introduced to as a result of the Columbia Exchange?

Western Europeans were introduced to a wide variety of new foods, plants, and animals as a result of the Columbian Exchange:

- Maize (corn), a staple crop that became a major food source in Europe.

- Potatoes, another staple crop that became widely grown in Europe and helped to improve diets and reduce famines.

- Tomatoes, which were initially used as ornamental plants but eventually became a popular food ingredient.

- Chocolate, a luxury food made from the seeds of the cacao tree, which was native to the Americas.

- Coffee, a stimulant made from the beans of the coffee plant, which was native to Africa and Asia.

- Sugar, a sweetener made from the juice of sugarcane, which was native to Southeast Asia.

- Bananas, a sweet and nutritious fruit that became a popular dessert in Europe.

- Pineapples, a tropical fruit with a sweet and tangy flavor that became a luxury food in Europe.

- Avocados, a green-fleshed fruit with a rich and creamy texture that became popular in European cuisine.

- Peanuts, a legume that is high in protein and oil and became a popular snack food in Europe.

- Turkeys, large birds native to North America that became a popular source of meat in Europe.

- Guinea pigs, small rodents native to South America that were kept as pets in Europe.

- Horses, large animals native to Asia that were used for transportation and warfare in Europe.

- Cattle, large animals native to Europe and Asia that were used for food, milk, and transportation in the Americas.

- Pigs, large animals native to Europe and Asia that were used for food and transportation in the Americas.

- Chickens, domesticated birds native to Southeast Asia that were used for food and egg production in the Americas.

- Rabbits, small mammals native to Europe and Asia that were used for food and fur production in the Americas.