The plants brought back by the Columbian Exchange radically changed the culture and economy of both New and Old Worlds. European voyagers took back New World plants like beans, squashes,sweet potatoes, avocados, peanuts,sweet peppers, and sweet potatoes. The potato (corn) was the New World plant that had the greatest impact. In the end, they would affect both the Old World peoples and the present-day groups.
The Columbian Exchange is heavily dependent on maize (corn). It was essential for Central America’s social structures because it dried well and could be stored away for long periods. A versatile crop, it was moved to Europe. It would eventually be grown in many districts. In the Old World alongside New World foods, maize was introduced to stimulate a population development.
South American potatoes were brought to Europe, where they remained a mainstay of European cuisine for a long period of time. It was important because the potato could withstand cold temperatures and grow in a relatively flimsy ground. Ireland, in particular, was dependent on potatoes as a food source. By the nineteenth-century, Ireland’s dependence on potatoes caused mass starvation. The potato was the sole source of nourishment for two-fifths the population. A potato disease which devastated the harvests caused a sensational impact on Ireland. Ireland’s population dropped between 20 and 25 percent during the periods of starvation.
The Americas were dramatically affected by the introduction of many Old World plants. Old World grains and wheat became the mainstays of American agriculture. The sugarcane harvest is a clear example of Old World harvest. Sugarcane was an important yield. Christopher Columbus was able to see the Caribbean’s harvest during his second journey through the Americas. Sugarcane plantations were established in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica to take advantage of the new harvest. Sugar can now be found in a wide range of food products and is a major money crop.
Espresso was originally developed in Africa and Middle East. It then moved to America. Once it reached the New World, coffee became a popular new product for Central and South America. The ability to grow in Central and South America has made it a major yield for the region. Espresso is now a popular drink around the globe.
