Question

Which of the following events in the history of sugar occurred first?

1. Sugar cane was cultivated in New Guinea.
2. Columbus brought sugar to Hispaniola.
3. Europeans acquired sugar.
4. Persians introduced sugar to the Middle East.
5. Sugar was used in the Middle East.

Answer 1

The first event that occurred in the history of sugar was that the Persians introduced sugar to the Middle East. The correct answer is 4.

Step-by-step explanation:

The introduction of sugar to the Middle East is attributed to the Persians around 600 AD. Initially, the Persians cultivated sugar cane in the region of present-day Iran, refining the extraction process to produce sugar crystals.

They discovered methods to extract and purify sugar, transforming it into a commodity for trade and consumption. This innovation rapidly spread throughout the Middle East, becoming an integral part of their cuisine, medicine, and culture.

Sugar's presence in the Middle East significantly impacted trade routes, leading to its diffusion across various civilizations. Its popularity soared due to its diverse uses in sweetening food, beverages, and medicinal remedies.

The Middle East became a pivotal hub for sugar distribution, fostering trade routes that eventually connected this prized commodity to Europe, Africa, and Asia, shaping the global economy and culinary practices for centuries to come. Therefore, the correct answer is 4.