Which agricultural product was commonly cultivated by Native Americans before European contact?

Maize, also known as corn, was a staple crop among Native American societies long before European contact. It was cultivated extensively throughout what is now the United States and is noted for its versatility and adaptability to various climates and soils. Maize played a crucial role in the diet and culture of many Native American tribes, serving not only as a food source but also as a central element in rituals and trade.

The cultivation and use of maize significantly impacted agricultural practices and food systems in North America. This crop was integral to the development of complex societies and civilizations, especially in regions like the Southwest and the Eastern Woodlands, where it was often grown alongside beans and squash in a system known as the "three sisters," maximizing nutritional output and land use.

In contrast, products like rice, wheat, and barley were introduced later through European colonization and were not commonly grown by Native Americans prior to these interactions. Rice originates from Asia, wheat from the Fertile Crescent, and barley also from regions outside the Americas, making maize the distinctive crop cultivated by Native Americans before they encountered European settlers.