What type of crops were commonly grown as cash crops in the Middle Colonies?

The Middle Colonies were known for their fertile soil and favorable climate, making them particularly suitable for agriculture. Wheat and corn emerged as the primary cash crops in this region during the colonial period. They were cultivated extensively and became significant for both local consumption and export. Wheat, in particular, was a staple grain that not only fed the growing population in the colonies but was also shipped to Europe, helping to establish trade networks. Corn, being a versatile crop, was used for various purposes, including as animal feed and for making meal.

In contrast, tobacco and rice were more characteristic of the Southern Colonies, where the climate supported their growth. While barley and oats were grown in the Middle Colonies, they were not as economically significant as wheat and corn. Fruits and vegetables were cultivated for subsistence and local markets, but they did not serve as cash crops in the same way. Thus, the prominence of wheat and corn in the Middle Colonies firmly establishes them as the correct answer.