Royal Gala Apple Varieties and Benefits
The Royal Gala apple is a fruit variety that originated in New Zealand in 1939, resulting from the crossbreeding of Kidd's Orange Red and Golden Delicious<sup>1</sup>. Its name comes from having pleased Queen Elizabeth II of England when she tasted it on a trip to New Zealand. Discover everything about this exquisite apple, from its characteristics to its health benefits and delicious recipes.
Characteristics of the Royal Gala Apple:
It is medium to small-sized, rounded, with an intense red hue at the stem and a color that varies from yellow to almost orange, with intense orange stripes on a greenish-yellow background<sup>13</sup>. Its flesh is white, creamy, dense, juicy, and sweet, with a touch of acidity that creates a pleasant flavor contrast<sup>134</sup>. Very aromatic and can be well-preserved for up to six months without refrigeration.
Culinary Use:
From a culinary perspective, the Royal Gala apple is versatile. It can be consumed fresh, in salads, or used in baking. It is a prominent choice for making sauces, although it should be noted that cooking diminishes its sweetness and makes it more floury, so it is recommended to consume it raw.
History and Popularity:
Introduced to Europe in the '70s, the Royal Gala apple quickly gained popularity due to its exceptional taste and resilience. Currently, it is one of the most produced and demanded apple varieties worldwide, competing with Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Red Delicious, and Fuji<sup>36</sup>. The main producing countries are China, the United States, and Turkey.
Health Benefits:
From a nutritional standpoint, the Royal Gala apple provides various benefits to the body. It is rich in fiber, vitamins (A, B, C, and E), minerals (potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium), and antioxidants (flavonoids and polyphenols)<sup>42</sup>. These nutrients contribute to improving digestion, regulating intestinal transit, preventing constipation, reducing cholesterol, controlling glucose, strengthening the immune system, protecting the skin, and preventing cardiovascular and degenerative diseases.
Cultivation and Botanical Characteristics:
From an agricultural standpoint, the Royal Gala apple tree is a deciduous tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. It can grow up to 12 meters in natural conditions, but in cultivation, it is kept lower to facilitate harvesting. It has a rounded and open crown with numerous almost horizontal branches. Its leaves are oval and serrated, with a hairy underside. Its flowers are white or pink and grouped in clusters. The apple tree adapts well to different environmental conditions and soils, preferring cold or temperate climates. It needs a winter cold period to induce flowering and requires little water once rooted, being able to withstand drought periods. The harvesting season spans from November to May.
Quick Recipe: Microwave-Baked Royal Gala Apples:
A delicious recipe you can prepare in minutes:
- Wash and dry the apples thoroughly.
- Hollow out the apples with a knife or apple corer, removing the seeds, and creating a hole in the center.
- Pierce the apples with a fork to prevent them from exploding when cooked.
- Place the apples in a microwave-safe dish and sprinkle sugar and cinnamon to taste.
- Fill the hole with raisins, nuts, or your favorite ingredients.
- Cook the apples at maximum power for about 10 minutes or until tender.
- Check the doneness with a toothpick or knife.
- Carefully remove the apples from the microwave, let them cool slightly, and serve. Enjoy them with whipped cream, ice cream, or caramel syrup!
Español
