Gala (apple)

Lore & Background

The first Gala apple tree was one of many seedlings from a cross between a Golden Delicious and a Kidd's Orange Red, planted in Greytown, Wairarapa, New Zealand in the 1930s by orchardist J.H. Kidd. It is a relatively new introduction to the UK, first planted in commercial volumes during the 1980s, and now represents about 20% of the total volume of commercial eating apples grown in the UK, often replacing Cox's Orange Pippin. During the 2000s, the provincial government of Nova Scotia, Canada, subsidized apple producers to replace older trees, mainly the McIntosh, with newer higher-return varieties including Gala. By the 2020s, Gala became one of the top apple varieties in Canada, alongside Ambrosia and Honeycrisp, with most Canadian Gala apples grown in Ontario and British Columbia. During the 1980s, American wholesalers began searching for new apple varieties and picked the Gala. The majority of American Gala apples are harvested in Washington State, Michigan, and New York State.

Reader's Guide

Their sweet, mild flavor and crisp texture make them versatile for eating raw, cooking, and especially for sauces. The cultivar's ease of growth and adaptability have driven its widespread adoption, replacing older varieties like McIntosh in Canada and Cox's Orange Pippin in the UK. Many sports, notably Royal Gala, have been selected for increased red color, further boosting market appeal. Gala's availability nearly year-round through cold storage and controlled atmosphere storage has cemented its popularity. Its legacy includes reshaping apple production in North America and the UK, and it remains a top choice for consumers and growers alike.

Did You Know?

• Gala apples have a density of 0.86 g/cc and a sugar content of 13.5%.