Maize

• Maize originated in Central America about 7,000 years ago from a wild grass species called teosinte. Native Americans selectively cultivated the plant to increase ear and kernel size. Maize was a staple food for many Native American cultures, and cornhusks also were used to create items such as pouches and shoes. New England tribes, such as the Penobscot and Narragansett, introduced maize to Europeans. Initially known to settlers as "Indian corn," maize spread to Europe and has become an important part of world cuisine.
  
  

Tobacco

• Another crop cultivated by eastern Native Americans that had a profound effect on the world was tobacco. Spanish colonists first encountered the practice of smoking tobacco in Cuba, but many North American tribes also used tobacco, including for ceremonial or medicinal purposes. Tobacco was introduced to Europe during the 16th century and rapidly became popular. Some Europeans, such as King James I of England, opposed the practice, but they were outnumbered by smokers. Tobacco production became a massive industry, and now it is cultivated and smoked worldwide.
  
  

Crops from Central America

• In addition to these crops, other indigenous societies made major contributions. One of the richest areas for new agricultural products was Central America. Spanish colonists in this area were introduced to many unfamiliar products. Among these were tomatoes, potatoes and chocolate, all of which have names derived from the indigenous Nahuatl language. The potato in particular revolutionized European agriculture, becoming a major staple crop. Some regions became so dependent on the potato that crop failures led to large-scale famines.
  
  

Other Native American Crops

• Tobacco and maize were not the only crops adopted by European settlers in North America from the Native American population. Native Americans also cultivated many different varieties of melon, squash and beans. Other crops grown by Native Americans included the Jerusalem artichoke and the sunflower. Pumpkins were another common crop for Native American communities, although similar plants also were known in Europe. Although they had less global impact than maize or tobacco, these crops played a major role in North American agriculture.