All of this 
I love cooking baking preserving, for all these reasons.
There is one word you hinted at but didn't mention though and I think it is critical to being a knowledgeable foodie
Fermentation!
Fermenting is massive! Absolutely massive!!!
Fermentation is the foundation of so many things we love, tea, coffee, alcohol - of course, bread, yogurt, and so much more!
It's endless once you start looking - it's everywhere - hidden in plain sight