Columbian Exchange: Peanuts

Works Cited

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"Peanut Plant - History, Origin, and How Peanuts Became the World's ..." 2010. 13 Dec. 2013 <http://www.boiled-peanut-world.com/peanut-plant.html>

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" Our Beloved Peanut Plant". Boiled Peanut World, n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2013.

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Integration

Trader’s, most likely portuguese, introduced the peanut to China. During this time (the 17th century) the peanut helped China deal with famines by providing a reliable, long-lasting food source.

Integration

Portuguese were exposed to peanuts when Spanish explorers brought peanuts back to Europe from South America. They used the peanut in recipes, ingredients, as a trade product, and food supply. Since peanuts could be stored for months and transported long distances without spoiling they were a common food source on ships. As a result the Portuguese spread the peanut to China and Africa as well.

Columbian Exchange: Peanuts

The Spread of the Peanut

After the Europeans discovered peanuts in South America, the Spanish introduced them to the Philippines and Europe. The Portuguese then exposed peanuts to Africa and China. Peanuts were introduced to North America from Africa during the slave trade.

Effects

• Supported Growth in Asia and Africa
• Decreased Famine
• Reliable
• Stored for months without spoiling and transported long distances
• Integrated into recipes and Cultures
• Lowered rates of malnutrition

Origin

The peanut originated in Peru. The discovery of 7,600 year old fossilized peanut hulls in the Ñanchoc Valley of Peru, indicates that the peanut was very important to the ancient Southern Americans. Peanuts were discovered by Portuguese explorers, who arrived in Brazil in 1500.

By: Alex, Emma, and Kyle

The effects of the peanut in the Colombian Exchange were positive. They helped to prevent famine in China. In Africa, they helped enrich soil in other crops, as well as providing a main food staple.

Integration

Portuguese introduced peanuts to Africa. Africans could grow peanuts in soil that could not be used for other crops. The peanuts also fertilized the soil by enriching it with nitrogen. As a result, soil could be used to grow more plants and crops. Peanuts were then introduced to North America through slave trade.