The colonization of stomachs: Indigenous people, Europeans and the consumption of cassava (manihot spp.) In 16th Century Portuguese America

The arrival of Europeans in the New World brought with it a series of significant challenges, which included not only adapting to the new environment but also searching for viable food sources. With the aim of boosting the colonization process, the colonizers began to meticulously study the available natural resources and the traditional practices of local indigenous societies. Cassava, an essential element in the diet of native populations, attracted particular interest due to its remarkable adaptability and ease of cultivation in different soils. Its various varieties were quickly recognized as crucial food sources, as well as important raw materials for the production of a variety of essential products. This study aims to analyze the relevance of cassava as a fundamental food in the early years of Portuguese colonization. An in-depth investigation of this root allows for a more comprehensive understanding of its role in the daily lives of indigenous communities and in the food interactions between colonizers and the colonized, highlighting its historical importance.