Luxury food

We refer to plants that are consumed for their stimulating effect and taste as stimulants. These include sugar, cocoa, pepper and other spices, as well as tea, coffee and psychotropic substances such as tobacco and other intoxicants. Their effect is often based on alkaloids, which are produced by plants to ward off predators. The consumption of these products can lead to addiction. Their special appeal and the fact that many of them thrive outside Europe made them sought-after commodities and objects of speculation early on. Many are closely linked to the conquest of countries and the enslavement of people to work on plantations.