What foods became readily available to humans that werent before?

The availability and accessibility of different food sources for humans have changed significantly throughout history, particularly with advancements in agriculture, trade, and transportation. Here are some foods that became more widely available to humans than they were before:

1.Bananas:

Before the invention of refrigerated shipping in the late 19th century, bananas were mostly limited to tropical regions where they were grown. After refrigeration technology improved long shipments became possible, the transportation and availability of bananas vastly increased, making them accessible to people in temperate climates.

2.Potatoes:

Native to South America, potatoes were introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. They quickly gained popularity due to their adaptability and high nutritional value. Previously unknown to most of the world, potatoes became a staple food in many countries and revolutionized cuisine in places like Ireland, where the "Potato Famine" of the mid-19th century highlighted their significance.

3.Coffee:

Coffee, native to Ethiopia, was initially consumed in limited regions of Africa and the Middle East. During the 17th century, coffee trading expanded, and it gained popularity in Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Today, coffee is widely accessible and consumed around the world.

4.Tomatoes:

Tomatoes originated in South America and spread to Europe after Spanish colonization. At first, they were viewed with suspicion due to their resemblance to poisonous nightshade plants. As culinary uses of tomatoes were discovered and their safety became clear, they gradually became widely used and now feature in countless cuisines globally.

5.Grains:

In ancient times, grains like wheat, rice, and corn were confined to specific geographic areas. However, advancements in agriculture and trade led to their widespread cultivation and availability. Nowadays, these grains are crucial staples in various cultures worldwide.

6.Sugars:

Refined sugar was once expensive and hard to obtain but the industrialization of sugar production during the 18th and 19th centuries made it more affordable and abundant. This changed global diets and food habits, influencing the development of sugary foods like confectionaries and sweetened beverages.

7.Exotic fruits:

Historically, tropical fruits such as mangos, pineapples, and kiwis were confined to their native regions. With improvements in transportation and refrigeration techniques, these fruits are now easily available in many parts of the world, broadening the consumption of diverse produce.

8.Spices:

Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice pepper were once restricted to certain regions and highly prized. As exploration and trade routes expanded, spices became more accessible and incorporated into cuisines around the globe.

Overall, the expansion of trade, advancements in agriculture, and transportation technologies greatly increased the diversity of food items accessible to different regions and cultures. These changes continue to shape what types of foods various societies consume and how cuisines evolve over time.