Answer:
The correct answer is D. spices. Europeans had a strong desire for Asian spices, such as pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, during the Age of Exploration. These spices were highly valued for their ability to enhance the flavor of food, preserve food, and mask the taste of spoiled ingredients. The search for a direct route to Asia and its lucrative spice trade was one of the driving factors behind European exploration and colonization.