An essential grain in the New World diet was maize, also known as corn. Maize was a staple food for indigenous peoples of the Americas and became fundamental in the diet of early settlers and the development of New World agriculture. It provided a vital source of carbohydrates and nutrients essential for survival and growth in the New World environment. Maize was cultivated extensively by indigenous tribes and quickly adopted by European colonists, forming a major part of daily sustenance. Its significance went beyond nutrition, playing a vital cultural and agricultural role. Maize's adaptability to different climates and its high yield contributed to its essential status in the New World diet. In addition to maize, other grains like quinoa and amaranth, native to the Americas, were also important, but maize stands out as the key grain associated with the New World diet due to its widespread cultivation and historical impact.