Dessert crops are defined as types of crops or plants that are not (or historically were not) used in everyday consumption. They are used for "dessert," which is a loose definition for special occasions, for use by the elite, or for pleasure rather than sustenance.[1]
Some examples of such crops in the past are coffee, sugar, tea, tobacco and cocoa. While these crops are more of everyday staples in modern times, a few centuries ago this was not the case. They were regarded as extravagances, as "sinful" indulgences, or even instruments of the Devil.[2]