Thursday, June 14, 2012

What vegetables did Europe have before voyaging to the New World?

While the introduction of new foods to Europe from the Americas is generally considered the most relevant aspect of the Columbian Exchange, a number of vegetables did make their way to the Americas from Europe.  The New World provided land and new opportunities to cultivate a number of European staples. It was common for turnips, olives, and onions to be transplanted to the New World from Europe.  Quite a few vegetables were available in Europe before the voyages of Columbus.  Asparagus, cabbage, cucumber, turnips, radish, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cauliflower are all native plants to Europe. In addition to the vegetables that were available in Europe, a variety of fruits benefited from the warm climates of the New World.  These fruits included bananas, oranges, grapes, and peaches.  

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