Add Intersection Observer-based lazy loading for recipe categories to dramatically reduce initial render time. Categories render progressively as users scroll, reducing initial DOM from 240 cards to ~30-50 cards.
Performance improvements:
- First 2 categories render eagerly (~30-50 cards) for fast perceived load
- Remaining categories lazy-load 600px before entering viewport
- Categories render immediately during active search for instant results
- "In Season" section always renders first as hero content
Implementation:
- Add LazyCategory component with IntersectionObserver for vertical lazy loading
- Wrap MediaScroller categories with progressive loading logic
- Maintain scroll position with placeholder heights (300px per category)
- Keep search functionality fully intact with all 240 recipes searchable
- Horizontal lazy loading not implemented (IntersectionObserver doesn't work well with overflow-x scroll containers)
Alexander
b09b70f5ea