SC - Peanuts, Sweet potatos, etc.

[LrdRas]

In a message dated 97-11-06 07:39:17 EST, you write:

<< According to a documentary on the 'cocaine mummies' of vienna, peanuts 
 were found in China at least 2000 years old. But it was said that they 
 are a native american (N?S?) product
 
 Charles >>

A variety of chili pepper and a variety of miniature corn also appears to be
"indigenous" to China. However, considering recent marine related
archeological finds along the West Coast which tentatively establishes the
possibility of trade between China and Amerind peoples this is not surprising.

Bearing in mind that Marco Polo mentions tea and tea houses in China in his
writings but did not import it, I would hesitate to even suggest tjhat the
existence of an Amerind food plant in China could be construed to legitimize
the theory that they were in anyway introduced into Europe from China at such
as early date.

We must also remember that the introduction of foodstuffs was not a linear
route. For example, even though sweet potatos were introduced into the Old
World post-Columbus becoming an extremely popular Elizabethan food item, it
does not follow that the presence of sweet potatoes in Africa meant they were
introduced from Europe. 

In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. It is now accepted theory
that sweet potatos, peanut and hot peppers were introduced to Africa at least
2 centuries before their arrival in Europe. These introductions were most
likely made via the Polynisians who traded with the tribes in Ecuador
spreading them to Malaysia and then from there they were introduced into
Africa.

Ras
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