Which vegetables were common in the Columbian Exchange?

The correct answer highlights the vegetables that were prominently introduced to Europe from the Americas during the Columbian Exchange, which had a significant impact on global cuisine and agricultural practices. Tomatoes, potatoes, and squash are quintessential examples of New World crops that transformed diets across the globe after the exchange began in the late 15th century.

Tomatoes, for example, became integral to various European cuisines, especially in Italy, leading to the development of iconic dishes like pasta sauces. Potatoes, cultivated originally in the Andean region, revolutionized food security in Europe by providing a calorie-dense staple that could be cultivated in diverse climates. Squash, along with other vegetables, contributed to the diversity of crops available and was already an important food source for many Indigenous cultures in the Americas before the Exchange.

The other options, while some mention crops that are important, do not focus on the quintessential vegetables that were exchanged and gained prominence as a result of the Columbian Exchange. For instance, rice and wheat were already established staples in the Old World, and crops like spinach and carrots originated elsewhere. This emphasizes that the correct answer effectively illustrates the profound changes in the global agricultural landscape stemming from the introduction of New World crops.