The recipe, unveiled by Tom Parker Bowles, contains an ingredient that may be linked with ‘reduced mean blood pressure’

Queen Camilla’s son, Tom Parker Bowles, has shed light on a little-known recipe that’s often enjoyed in the Royal estates of Highgrove and Birkhall. The dish, revealed in Tom’s recently published book ‘Cooking & The Crown’, contains one ingredient that his mother and King Charles are especially ‘obsessed’ with.

“A dish I’ve eaten at Birkhall and Highgrove many times,” the Royal, who turned 50 in December, penned. “…this is a take on Omlette aux Fines Herbes, with the addition of Gruyère and mushrooms.”

Simply translating to ‘omelette with fine herbs’, Tom’s recipe pulls together three eggs in addition to both English and Dijon mustard, which are whisked with some parsley, tarragon, salt and pepper.

Highgrove House is the family home of King Charles and Queen Camilla in Tetbury, Gloucestershire ( 
Image:
Chris Jackson – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Using a ‘neutral oil’, he then instructs readers to fry this for a couple of minutes, adding the grated cheese and mushrooms once the base has set. Albeit simple, the meal holds significant importance to the Royal Family as both Queen Camilla and King Charles are fanatic about collecting mushrooms.

Elsewhere in his book, Tom explained: “Wild mushrooms are somewhat of an obsession, with Charles III and Queen Camilla deeply competitive about their hauls.” What’s more, is that mushrooms are exceptionally healthy too, thanks to their rich potassium and vitamin content.

Potassium in particular is what’s known to limit the harmful effects of sodium within the body while potentially reducing blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors. However, some academic studies assert that more research is required to better understand these impacts.

In 2021, a systematic review led by the US-based Baylor College of Medicine, noted: “Edible mushroom consumption may have favorable effects on lipid profiles by changing some metabolic markers such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.

“Moreover, edible mushroom consumption is probably associated with reduced mean blood pressure. The beneficial overall cardiovascular risk, stroke risk, and coronary artery disease of edible mushroom consumption are not consistent.”

Queen Camilla and King Charles are passionate about collecting mushrooms ( 
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CLARENCE HOUSE/AFP via Getty Ima)Beyond this, Helen Bell, a nutritionist at the UK Care Guide, previously told the Mirror that increased egg consumption is often beneficial to individuals on a weight loss diet. At the time, she said: “In my experience, consuming eggs as a snack can actually be quite beneficial for weight loss. Eggs are high in protein, which helps to increase satiety and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

“This can reduce the overall calorie intake throughout the day. But, it’s important to watch portion sizes and prepare them in a healthy way, like boiling or poaching, to avoid adding unnecessary fats.”

Later, she continued: “Eating ‘clean foods’ such as chicken, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds can, in my experience, be incredibly beneficial for weight loss. These foods are typically lower in calories and higher in essential nutrients compared to processed foods. They provide fibre, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.

“In my experience, clients who switch to a diet rich in these foods often find it easier to manage their weight because they are consuming more nutrient-dense calories that support overall health and metabolism.”