Step into the world of apples and discover one of its brightest stars – the Royal Gala. A perfect bountiful blend of vibrant red or red/orange patterned hues against a cheerful yellow backdrop, this fruit is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Born from a cross between the Golden Delicious and Kidd’s Orange Red, this apple variety is an epitome of sweetness paired seamlessly with a succulent crunch.
What is a Royal Gala Apples?
Royal Gala is a variant of the Gala apple, patented by Stark in 1977, which yields redder fruits than the original variety. This pink-red apple is typically used in desserts and is usually consumed fresh.
Royal Galas are typically harvested from early to late February in the southern hemisphere. In New Zealand, the lighter pink original Gala has almost vanished commercially, replaced by the darker-skinned Royal Gala.
Summary of information about Royal Gala Apples
| Description | Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | New Zealand, cross between Golden Delicious and Kidd’s Orange |
| Name | Royal Gala (named after Queen Elizabeth II) |
| Characteristics | Dense and crisp texture |
| Available | Year-round (JAN-DEC) |
Taste of Royal Gala Apples
Gala apples, with their distinctive pear-like honey flavor, are a trendy fruit worldwide. Although they are lovely, there’s an intriguing hint of sourness that makes them irresistibly appealing. They are the origin of many other sweet apple varieties and are delightful to enjoy.
Where do Royal Gala Apples come from?
Originating in the verdant orchards of New Zealand in the 1920s, the Royal Gala has since journeyed across continents, winning hearts and delighting taste buds.
From its attractive, thinner skin to its firm, crisp flesh, every bite of this small to medium-sized apple celebrates rich and refreshing flavors.
No wonder it remains a favorite among fruit lovers around the globe. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh off the tree or as part of a delicious pie, the Royal Gala apple promises an unforgettable experience.
Royal Gala Apple Nutrition
| Nutritional contents in a medium apple (fresh, raw, with skin) | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Calories | 81 |
| Iron | 25 mg |
| Carbohydrate | 21 grams |
| Sodium | 0.00 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 grams |
| Potassium | 159 mg |
| Soluble Fiber | Present |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Insoluble fiber | Present |
| Vitamin A | 73 IU |
| Calcium | 10 mg |
| Folate | 4 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 10 mg |
Health benefits of Royal Gala Apple
Sugar
Royal Gala apples are abundant in fructose, a natural sugar that uplifts energy. These sweet apples are a healthier alternative to sugar-laden drinks, candies, and processed food due to the valuable nutrients they deliver. You can expect around 23 grams of sugar in a large Gala apple.
Vitamin C
A significant Gala apple houses about 10 milligrams (mg) of Vitamin C. This vital vitamin contributes to the production of collagen in our body, which is fundamental for maintaining healthy skin and facilitating the healing process of wounds. Moreover, the antioxidant qualities of Vitamin C aid in combating harmful free radicals, thus protecting against cancer and heart diseases. The recommended Vitamin C intake is 75 milligrams for women and 90 milligrams for men.
Carbohydrates
For an everyday calorie consumption of 2,000, carbohydrates should constitute 45–65 percent (225–325 g). Royal Gala apples fit perfectly into a diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as suggested by MayoClinic.com. Carbohydrates are a primary energy source for our bodies. You can count approximately 31 g of carbs in a large Gala apple.
Fat and Calories
A diet low in fat and calories can help control your hunger while maintaining a healthy weight. High-calorie and high-fat meals may lead to weight gain, escalating the risk of numerous health problems. A medium-sized Gala apple carries around 116 calories and less than 1 g of fat.
In conclusion, the Royal Gala apple is not just a tasty snack; it’s a powerhouse of essential nutrients beneficial for your overall health. Enjoy one today!
Difference between Gala, Shimla Apples, Fuji Apples, Pink Lady Apples and Royal Gala Apples
| Apple Variety | Origin | Flavor Profile | Texture | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gala Apples | New Zealand | Mild, not too sweet or tart | Crisp, grainy | Eating raw and cooking |
| Shimla Apples | India (Himachal Pradesh) | Crisp, mildly sweet | Firm | Eating raw |
| Fuji Apples | Japan | Sweet, slightly sour | Dense, crisp | Baking, eating raw |
| Pink Lady Apples | Australia | Tangy with a sweet finish | Firm and crisp | Eating raw |
| Royal Gala Apples | New Zealand | Sweeter than regular Gala apples | Crisp, grainy | Eating raw (popular in lunches) |
Tips for choosing fresh Royal apples
Choosing a delicious Royal Gala apple is not a daunting task if you follow these handy tips:
- Inspect the color: Royal Gala apples exhibit a vibrant red hue mixed with yellow, featuring distinctive patterns on the surface. A ripe apple will have precise, unblemished coloring.
- Feel the weight: When picked up, a good apple often feels heavier than it looks. This indicates that the apple is juicy and fresh.
- Press lightly on the surface: A ripe apple should bounce back when lightly pressed. If the apple is indented under your touch, it may be a sign that it is overripe or damaged.
- Check the stem: The stem of a delicious Royal Gala apple is typically intact and shows no signs of rot. A fresh stem helps keep the apple from spoiling quickly.
- Smell: A tasty Royal Gala apple usually has a mild and characteristic aroma. If there’s no smell or it’s unpleasant, consider choosing another one.
Remember, choosing a tasty apple also depends on your personal taste. Experiment with these tips to find your perfect Royal Gala apple!
Other Uses of Royal Gala Apples
The Royal Gala apples are utilized in various culinary applications as follows:
- Fruit Salad: Royal Gala apples, with their sweet and crisp flavor, are ideal for adding to fruit salads to enhance richness and freshness.
- Apple Preserve: Royal Gala apples are used to make preserves, a traditional sweet dish, by soaking sliced apples in sugar and spices.
- Meat Dishes: Royal Gala apples can also be incorporated into meat dishes such as pork roasted with apples or chicken in apple sauce.
- Apple Juice: Royal Gala apples can be juiced to create a flavorful and nutritious beverage.
- Dipping Sauce: Royal Gala apples can be used to prepare dipping sauces for salads or other dishes, imparting a unique flavor.
- Apple Pie: Royal Gala apples are commonly used to make apple pies, a delicious and distinctive dessert.
Where to buy Royal Gala apples for eating, juicing, baking, or making salad?
Head to Farm to Palm supermarket before you go apple shopping for your delicious pie. We offer freshly picked apples from local orchards, ensuring not just natural flavor but also the freshness and crispness of the apples. They are harvested and stored in a particular manner, keeping them from becoming mushy or mealy when baked.
At Farm to Palm, we carry various popular baking apple varieties such as Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, and many more. We’re proud to bring you the highest quality apples straight from the orchard to your palm.
We warmly welcome everyone, from children to adults, to visit Farm to Palm supermarket to experience the fresh and sweet taste of the best apples during autumn.