Gala Apple 101: Nutrition, Benefits, How To Use, Buy, Store | Gala Apple: A Complete Guide

What is Gala Apple

A Gala apple is a kind of apple that was first developed in New Zealand in the 1930s. It comes from a mix of the Kidd’s Orange Red and Golden Delicious apple varieties. They are loved for their sweet, crunchy, and juicy taste. They have a thin skin that’s usually yellow-orange with red marks.

They are really popular and you can find them in most grocery stores. People like to eat them fresh, but they’re also great for cooking, baking, or making applesauce and cider.

In terms of health, they are low in calories and packed with fiber and vitamin C. So, they make for a tasty and healthy snack!

Other Names of Gala Apple

This apple is mostly known as “Gala” all around the world because it’s super popular. However, in some places or languages, it might have a different name. Here are some other names you might hear for the Gala apple:

1. Royal Gala
2. Gala Royal
3. Malus domestica ‘Gala’
4. Gala Schnitzer
5. Priscilla (in France)
6. Regala
7. Gala Must (in Italy)
8. Gala Brookfield

Just remember, “Royal Gala” and “Gala Royal” mean the same thing – they’re both talking about the same tasty apple!

Nutritional Value

The nutritional value of a medium-sized Gala apple (about 182 grams):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	95
Total Fat	0.3 grams
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium	2 mg
Potassium	195 mg
Total Carbohydrate	25 grams
Dietary Fiber	4 grams
Sugars	19 grams
Protein	0.5 grams
Vitamin A	2%
Vitamin C	8%
Calcium	1%
Iron	1%

Benefits

The benefits of eating these apples, explained in a simple and original way:

1. Packed with Good Stuff: They are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that our bodies need to stay healthy.
2. Low on Calories: If you’re counting calories, these apples are a smart choice. A medium-sized apple has only about 95 calories.
3. Filled with Antioxidants: These apples have antioxidants that help keep our bodies healthy and protect against diseases.
4. Helps Digestion: The fiber in these apples is good for our digestion and keeps our stomach happy.
5. Good for the Heart: Eating them may help lower cholesterol and keep our hearts healthy.
6. Keeps You Hydrated: They have a lot of water in them, which helps keep us hydrated.
7. Helps with Weight Control: Because they’re full of fiber and water, they can help us feel full and satisfied, which is great for managing our weight.
8. May Lower Disease Risk: Eating these apples regularly might reduce the risk of certain diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.

So, next time you’re looking for a healthy snack, grab a Gala apple and enjoy all these great benefits!

Varieties

Some types of Gala apples, explained in a simple and original way:

1. Original Gala: This is the classic apple from New Zealand. It has a sweet and crispy taste with a yellow-orange skin and red stripes.
2. Royal Gala: This one is a bit redder and crunchier than the original apple.
3. Buckeye Gala: These apples have a deeper red color and are super sweet.
4. Gala Schnitzer: This is a green version of this apple. It’s a bit tart and has a pale green skin with red stripes.
5. Priscilla: In France, they have their own version of the Gala called Priscilla. It’s known for its rich taste and good looks.
6. Brookfield Gala: This American variety is crisp and has a slightly tart flavor compared to the regular Gala.
7. Regala: This New Zealand apple is a mix of Gala and Braeburn apples. It has a sweet and tart flavor.
8. Gala Must: In Italy, they have a bright red Gala apple called Gala Must. It’s really sweet.
9. Mishima Gala: This Japanese Gala apple has a sweet and aromatic flavor.
10. Crimson Delight: This newer variety is a mix of Gala and Splendour apples. It’s deep red and has a sweet-tart taste.

So, these are some of the different types of apples you might come across. Each one has its own unique flavor, but they’re all sweet and yummy!

What Does Gala Apple Taste Like

This apple tastes sweet and has a nice, crisp texture. Some people say it has hints of pear and vanilla in its flavor. The skin is thin and a bit tart, which balances out the sweetness of the inside. Basically, these apples are tasty and great for snacking or cooking!

How To Use Gala Apple

Here are some simple ways to use Gala apples:

1. Snack Time: Just grab an apple and enjoy it as a healthy snack.
2. In Salads: Chop up an apple and toss it into your green or fruit salad for a sweet and crunchy kick.
3. Baking: Use these apples to make pies, muffins, or cakes. They keep their shape well and add a nice sweet flavor to desserts.
4. Applesauce: Make your own applesauce by cooking slice apples with a little water, sugar, and cinnamon until they’re soft, then mash or blend them up.
5. Apple Butter: Cook sliced apples with sugar and spices until they turn into a thick, spreadable apple butter.
6. Juice It: Juice some Gala apples along with other fruits and veggies for a fresh and healthy drink.
7. Cider: Press Gala apples to make your own apple cider.
8. Sautéed Apples: Cook sliced apples with a bit of butter, sugar, and cinnamon to make a yummy topping for pancakes, oatmeal, or ice cream.
9. In Stuffing: Add diced apples to your stuffing for a sweet and tasty twist.
10. On Sandwiches and Wraps: Add some thin slices of apples to your sandwiches, wraps, or paninis for a sweet and crunchy bite.

Gala apples go really well with flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel, and cheese, so feel free to get creative with how you use them in both sweet and savory dishes!

Substitute for Gala Apple

If you need a substitute for these apples, here are some options:

1. Fuji Apples: Fuji apples are sweet and crispy, just like these apples. They’re great for snacking or using in recipes.
2. Honeycrisp Apples: Honeycrisp apples are known for their crunchy texture and sweet taste, making them a good alternative to Gala apples.
3. Golden Delicious Apples: These apples are sweet and soft, and they work well in baking or eating fresh.
4. Braeburn Apples: Braeburn apples have a sweet and slightly tart flavor, and they’re crisp like Gala apples.
5. Pink Lady Apples: Pink Lady apples are sweet and a bit tart, with a crisp texture. They’re good for both sweet and savory dishes.
6. Ambrosia Apples: Ambrosia apples have a sweet, honey-like flavor and a crisp texture, making them a good substitute for apples in salads and desserts.
7. Granny Smith Apples: If you like a tart flavor, Granny Smith apples can be used instead of Gala apples, especially in baking.
8. Cripps Pink (Pink Lady): These apples are sweet-tart and firm, making them a good choice for most recipes that call for Gala apples.

So, you’ve got plenty of options depending on what you’re making and your taste preferences!

Where to Buy Gala Apple

You can find Gala apples in several places, both online and in stores. Here are some places where you can buy them:

1. Grocery Stores: You can get Gala apples at big grocery stores like Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods in the fruit section.
2. Farmers’ Markets: Check out local farmers’ markets, especially during apple season, for fresh Gala apples.
3. Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Instacart, and FreshDirect sell these apples and can deliver them to your home.
4. Fruit Stands: Local fruit stands or orchards often have Gala apples for sale.
5. Supermarkets: Besides big grocery stores, you can also find Gala apples at smaller supermarkets and specialty food stores.
6. Organic Food Stores: If you prefer organic options, stores like Trader Joe’s or Sprouts Farmers Market may have Gala apples.
7. Online Fruit Delivery Services: Some online services specialize in delivering fresh fruits, including Gala apples, right to your door.

When you’re buying Gala apples, look for ones that are firm with a bright color and smooth skin. Avoid apples that have bruises, wrinkles, or soft spots.

How To Store Gala Apple

Here’s how you can store Gala apples to keep them fresh:

1. At Room Temperature:
   • Short-term: You can leave these apples out at room temperature for about a week.
   • Long-term: For longer storage, keep them in a cool, dark place, ideally between 30-35°F or 0-2°C.
2. In the Fridge:
   • Crisper Drawer: Store the apples in the crisper drawer of your fridge to help them stay fresh.
   • Plastic Bag: Put the apples in a bag with some holes for air. This helps prevent them from getting moldy.
3. Keep Them Dry:
   • Make sure the apples are dry before you store them. Moisture can make them go bad faster.
4. Don’t Mix with Other Produce:
   • Keep apples separate from other fruits and veggies. Apples give off a gas called ethylene that can make other produce spoil faster.
5. Check Them Regularly:
   • Look at the apples often and take out any that are bruised, soft, or starting to rot to stop them from spoiling the others.
6. Freezing:
   • If you want to keep them for even longer, you can freeze them. Wash, peel, core, and slice the apples, then freeze them flat on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen, you can put them in a freezer bag or container.

By storing your Gala apples this way, they should stay fresh and tasty for a good while!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gala Apple