Shelf space

Everyone has food staples he can’t live—or cook—without, and nobody knows more about stocking a shelf than someone in the grocery business. I asked Terri Shettle, the Sacramento store manager for the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op (1900 Alhambra Boulevard, (916) 455-2667), which five items are always on the shelf in her pantry:

1. Extra-virgin olive oil

2. Sea salt

3. Black peppercorns for grinding

4. Italian spices

5. Curry spices