Describe two ways in which the Columbian Exchange affected the diets of people in Europe and the Americas.

The Columbian Exchange dramatically changed diets on both sides of the Atlantic. In Europe, the introduction of foods like potatoes and tomatoes transformed culinary practices, leading to increased nutritional diversity and population growth. Potatoes became a staple crop, particularly in Ireland, changing how people farmed and ate, with fewer famines due to their high yield and caloric content. In the Americas, the arrival of European crops and livestock, such as wheat, rice, and pigs, reshaped indigenous diets. This infusion provided new sources of food but also led to changes in agricultural practices. For instance, the introduction of pigs resulted in various pork dishes that would become staples in many cultures across the continent. The blending of these diverse food sources created a rich tapestry of culinary traditions that still influence contemporary diets today.