SC - Re: Peanuts, Sweet Potatoes, Etc.

[Elise Fleming]

Ras wrote:

>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.

Query:  "Accepted theory" by whom?  Where cited? 
Query:  "At least 2 centuries before their arrival in Europe"  What 
date would that make it?  The 1500s or earlier?

I would (personally) lay my money on Sophie Coe who is a recognized 
food historian.  Coe (re my earlier post which didn't get to the digest 
before this was posted) believes that the peanut got to Africa from 
Brazil via western man and slave trade.  From Africa it went to what is 
now the US.  I can look up what she says about the sweet potato route 
and post it later if conversation warrants, but I seriously doubt, 
based on her recent book _America's First Cuisines_, that the sweet 
potato or peanut went to Africa via Asia.

Alys K.

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