What one crop did Portuguese colonists focus on producing?

Portuguese colonists, particularly in Brazil, focused on producing sugarcane as their primary crop.

Here's why:

* High Demand: Sugar was a highly sought-after commodity in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries.

* Profitability: Sugarcane plantations were extremely profitable, generating significant wealth for both the Portuguese crown and individual planters.

* Labor Intensive: The production of sugar required a large workforce, which led to the development of the transatlantic slave trade in Brazil.

* Climate Suitability: Brazil's tropical climate and fertile soil were ideal for growing sugarcane.

While other crops were grown in Brazil, such as tobacco and coffee, sugarcane remained the dominant crop and formed the foundation of the Brazilian economy for centuries.