The world of gluten-free baking is a challenging yet rewarding journey, and Freed.me Gluten Free Artisan Bakery is a testament to that. This bakery, born out of love and persistence, is a haven for those missing the delights of gluten-free treats.
A Labour of Love
The story of Freed.me begins with Colombian chef Laura Guevara Convers and her Irish partner, both named Laura. Their love story intertwines with a quest for delicious gluten-free bread, as the Irish Laura's love language is, quite literally, bread. Unfortunately, the gluten-free options available were less than desirable.
Laura's determination to create something better led her to experiment with gluten-free baking. Her first attempts were not successful, but her persistence paid off. She eventually mastered the art, supplying wholefood and health shops with her bread and later expanding into pastries and cakes.
Finding the Perfect Space
As her business grew, Laura needed more space and found a unique solution - a repurposed childcare facility in Gungahlin. This space not only provided her with a commercial kitchen but also offered flexibility and the assurance of no cross-contamination. It was a win-win situation, allowing her to open as a cafe on Saturdays and cater to a wider range of dietary needs, including dairy-free and vegan options.
The opening weekend was a chaotic success, with grateful customers lining up for her treats. Laura's vision was clear: to create a safe and enjoyable space for everyone.
The Science of Gluten-Free Baking
Creating exceptional gluten-free breads and pastries is an art and a science. Laura's expertise lies in her understanding of different flours like corn, buckwheat, and tapioca, which she uses to achieve the perfect textures. This scientific approach to baking has been a key factor in her success.
The cinnamon scrolls, a popular choice at Freed.me, are a prime example of this. Laura's customers have raved about them, saying they're the first gluten-free treat they've enjoyed since their coeliac diagnosis.
A Bright Future
For now, Laura is focused on consistency and meeting the demand of her Saturday customers. She hopes to expand her opening hours to Sundays soon and bring her gluten-free goodies to the south side. Her dedication and skill have already made Freed.me a success, and with her plans for the future, there's no doubt this bakery will continue to thrive.
So, if you're in Canberra and missing the joy of cinnamon scrolls or any other gluten-free treat, Freed.me Gluten Free Artisan Bakery is the place to be. It's a testament to the power of love, persistence, and the art of gluten-free baking.
