I do agree with you that it is annoying that they don't really make much sense in that context, but you could call it a farmer's market tax if you will. RP reasoning could easily say you are going out of your way for top class ingredients and that is why they are so much more expensive compared to typical supermarket stuff in your fridge.
Either way, I am not going to complain about it being too pricey because it never really feels that way in game. At least not for me. Plus it is meant to be a challenge.
Actually, one I already think is already stunted. I expected cows to cost a lot more. It is nothing to pay $2000 for a good milk cow. Simoleons seem valued less than $, too, so I am really surprised they aren't at least a thousand simoleons.
