The Veggie Tree

The Veggie Tree is a New Zealand plant-based food business founded by Anna Valentine, a chef, recipe creator, cookbook author, food photographer, forager and plant medicine maker. Based in Kaeo, it brings together practical food education and inspiration for people seeking nutritious, family-friendly meals and a closer connection to seasonal ingredients. The website shares recipes drawn from Anna’s everyday cooking and offers seasonal cookbooks and other food products, including preserves and fermented treats such as water kefir.

The Veggie Tree also runs cook schools and workshops at its historic Kaeo home, welcoming different ages, skill levels and dietary needs. Sessions cover plant-based cooking, foraging, preserving and fermenting, with options suited to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and refined-sugar-free diets. For groups seeking a tailored experience, Anna offers private hands-on classes and vegetarian catering, including bespoke multi-course meals. Participants can learn to prepare dishes using fresh ingredients, including foods grown or foraged locally, and explore edible plants and plant-based techniques.