When did desserts start?

It's impossible to pinpoint an exact date for when desserts "started". Here's why:

* Early History: Sweet treats existed long before we had the concept of a "dessert". Early humans would have enjoyed naturally sweet fruits and honey. Later, they learned to make syrups and preserves.

* Evolution of "Dessert": The idea of a separate course for sweet foods evolved gradually. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks had elaborate sweets, but they weren't always served at the end of a meal.

* Medieval Influence: In Europe, the concept of dessert became more defined in the Middle Ages. Monasteries played a role in developing recipes for elaborate pastries and sweets.

* Global Variations: Different cultures developed their own unique dessert traditions. For example, China has a long history of elaborate desserts, and the Middle East has a tradition of baklava and other sweet treats.

So, rather than a specific date, we can say that desserts emerged as a distinct category of food over time, influenced by a variety of factors.