Just V – The Gluten-Free | Vegan Baking Queen

V’s mission is simple: to bake delicious, high-quality products that are both gluten-free and vegan, so everyone can enjoy them, regardless of their dietary restrictions.

Veronica Back, better known as just “V” at the Hermanus Country Market, has been baking up a storm for over two decades. Her love for cooking and baking goes back to her childhood, where she would spend countless hours watching, stirring, and helping her Ouma (grandmother) in the kitchen.

While living in Cape Town, V supplied a deli in Houtbaai with a range of delicious products, including rusks, breakfast cereals, jams, and condiments. After relocating to a farm near Hermanus, she found a new outlet for culinary creations at the Fernkloof Farmer’s Market (now known as the Hermanus Country Market).

It was at this market, 16 years ago, that V truly found her calling. She loved the work, the vibrant atmosphere, and most importantly, the people who became her loyal customers and friends. It was also here that she ventured into the world of gluten-free baking, a relatively unknown concept at the time. After many trials and errors, V mastered the art of gluten-free baking, becoming a specialist in this field.

V’s passion for animal welfare led her to make a compassionate decision in 2018 – she adopted a plant-based diet and became vegan. This presented a new challenge: creating delicious gluten-free baked goods without using any animal products. Veronica persevered, and today, she is one of the few vegan and gluten-free bakers in the area. She caters to those with specific needs by milling her own grains and seeds whenever possible, allowing her to create custom flour mixes.

Every Saturday, Just V’s stall at the Hermanus Country Market is a testament to Veronica’s hard work, innovation, and love for her community. Her gluten-free, vegan baked goods have become a staple for many marketgoers, and her dedication to quality and compassion continues to inspire. Through her work, she has created a lasting legacy at the Hermanus Country Market and beyond.

If you find yourself at the Hermanus Country Market on a Saturday, be sure to visit Just V’s stall and treat yourself to delectable vegan and gluten-free creations, which includes:

• Cakes (varies on the day), tarts, muffins, and Savoury wraps,
• Rusks -Muesli, Rye (regular), Rye (reduced sugar), gluten & dairy free, vegan.
• Then there are also the variety of Breakfast Cereals: Wheat free Muesli (granola), Gluten free muesli, Birchers muesli and Grain free (seeds and nuts).
• Breads – choice of 4 (all gluten free with vegan option), accompanied by her must have Marmalade and Jams.
• Vegan food options include dahl – red lentil, Mung bean or chickpea, rotated weekly.
• Many Hermanus Fur-Baby owners stock up on the Just V Dog treats!

 It is not just about baking; it’s about resilience, passion, and the joy of sharing delicious, health-conscious food with the world – V.