Apples, gala, with skin, raw
Whole food · Fruits and Fruit Juices
Photo: Wikipedia
The Gala apple is a crisp, sweet, and aromatic fruit with a thin, edible skin that often features a beautiful orange-red blush over a yellow-orange background. Its flesh is fine-grained, juicy, and mildly sweet with low acidity, making it a refreshing, low-calorie snack. A 100g serving provides a notable 2.1g of dietary fiber, primarily from its skin, alongside essential vitamins.
💚 Why it's loved
People adore Gala apples for their reliably sweet, non-tart flavor and satisfyingly crisp texture that holds up well in lunchboxes. They are incredibly versatile—perfect for eating fresh, slicing into salads, or baking into pies where a milder sweetness is desired.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Their high natural sugar content (14.8g per 100g) can cause rapid blood-sugar spikes if eaten alone in large quantities, which is a consideration for diabetics. To counteract this, pair slices with a protein or fat source like almond butter, cheese, or a handful of nuts to slow sugar absorption. Additionally, those with Oral Allergy Syndrome (pollen-food allergy syndrome) may experience mild itching in the mouth or throat.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of soluble fiber (pectin) for digestive health.
- Naturally low in fat and sodium, supporting heart-healthy diets.
- Provides vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function.
- High water content aids in hydration and satiety.
- Contains phytochemicals like quercetin, linked to reduced inflammation.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The Gala apple is a cross between a Golden Delicious and a Kidd's Orange Red, and it was first developed in New Zealand in the 1930s but didn't gain widespread popularity in the U.S. until the 1990s.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 84.6 g |
| Energy (Atwater General Factors) | 61.0 kcal |
| Energy (Atwater Specific Factors) | 55.0 kcal |
| Energy | 61.0 kcal |
| Energy | 256 kj |
| Nitrogen | 0.02 g |
| Protein | 0.13 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.15 g |
| Ash | 0.30 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 14.8 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.1 g |
| Sugars, Total | 11.3 g |
| Sucrose | 1.7 g |
| Glucose | 1.8 g |
| Fructose | 7.8 g |
| Lactose | 0.00 g |
| Maltose | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 7.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.06 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 5.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 8.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 106 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 0.00 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.02 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.03 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.04 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.07 mg |
| Niacin | 0.09 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.03 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
FAQ
Are Gala apples good for baking?
Yes, but they are best for pies and crisps where you want a sweeter, milder apple flavor. They hold their shape reasonably well but can become softer than tart varieties like Granny Smith. For a balanced pie, consider mixing Gala with a firmer, tarter apple.
How should I store Gala apples to keep them fresh?
Store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where they can last for several weeks. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods, as apples can absorb odors. At room temperature, they will soften and lose their crispness within a few days.
What's the difference between Gala and Fuji apples?
Both are sweet, crisp, and popular. Fujis are often denser, crisper, and even sweeter with a higher sugar content, while Galas have a milder, honey-like sweetness and a slightly softer crunch. Skin color also differs; Fujis are typically more uniformly red.