While Princess Diana was widely known for her preference for black coffee, a surprising detail about her beverage habits has emerged: her favorite tea was the fragrant Rose Pouchong. This revelation comes from Darren McGrady, her former royal chef, who shared insights into the princess's simple yet distinct tastes.
Diana's Unexpected Tea Choice
Darren McGrady, who spent 11 years in the royal kitchens and served as Diana's personal chef at Kensington Palace from 1993 to 1997, confirmed that despite Britain's strong tea culture, Diana's go-to brew was far from conventional royal favorites. "Princess Diana's favourite was rose pouchong, the black tea with the rose petals," McGrady stated in an interview, clarifying that she was "more of a coffee drinker overall."
What is Rose Pouchong?
Rose Pouchong is a delicate and aromatic tea blend. It combines fully oxidized black tea leaves, derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, with dried rose petals. The leaves absorb the floral aroma and flavor of the petals during the drying process, resulting in a unique sensory experience.
- Flavor Profile: Delicate floral character, mellow, and slightly sweet.
- Appearance: Golden-brown color with a medium-bodied mouthfeel.
- Preparation: Best enjoyed without cream or sugar to appreciate its nuanced taste.
- Origins: This blend has Chinese origins, particularly from the Fujian province, and is also popular in Taiwan, though it can be found in traditional English tea houses.
A Coffee Lover's Simple Pleasures
Despite her fondness for Rose Pouchong, Diana's daily routine leaned heavily towards coffee. McGrady recalled her preference for instant coffee, which she often prepared herself in the kitchen. "If she wanted a coffee, she preferred instant. She would come in the kitchen and make herself one and offer to make me one," he shared.
This simple approach contrasted with the elaborate coffee setups found in other royal residences, such as the dedicated coffee room at Buckingham Palace. Diana's overall beverage preferences reflected a straightforwardness, rarely involving additions like cream, sugar, or other flavorings.