Royal Gala Apple | C #100’s | Polar® | Washington | BLK

The Royal Gala apple (Malus domestica) is a selection of the Gala apple family, grown in Washington State, United States, and marketed under the Polar® brand. It is distinguished by its attractive bicolored skin, featuring red and orange stripes over a golden-yellow background, crisp flesh, excellent juiciness and predominantly sweet, mild and delicately aromatic flavor. Its balance of sweetness, freshness and texture makes it particularly suitable for fresh consumption and a wide variety of culinary applications.

Organoleptic Properties

Medium-sized fruit, generally round to slightly conical, with thin, smooth and glossy skin. Its characteristic coloration features bright red to orange-red stripes over a creamy-yellow background. The flesh is white to creamy-white, firm, juicy and crisp, with a fine and pleasant texture. Flavor is predominantly sweet, with mild to moderate acidity, accompanied by delicate fruity notes reminiscent of pear, honey and subtle floral aromas. Its relatively thin skin and refreshing bite provide a balanced eating experience.

Suggested Uses

Ideal for fresh consumption, snacks, school lunches, salads, bowls, fruit and cheese boards, yogurt, oatmeal, granola, juices and smoothies. Its natural sweetness pairs particularly well with walnuts, almonds, cinnamon, honey and mild cheeses. In baking, Royal Gala is suitable for tarts, pies, muffins, cakes, baked apples, compotes, purées and fillings. Its attractive coloration, crisp texture and culinary versatility also make it an excellent choice for cafés, restaurants, hotels and catering services.

Format

Bulk (BLK) per kilogram. Fresh Royal Gala apples, Polar® brand, grown in Washington State, United States. Size #100’s: commercial sizing corresponding to approximately 100 apples per standard reference carton, with an indicative individual fruit weight of approximately 180–200 Gr, depending on the original carton net weight and packing specifications. When marketed in bulk, fruit is sold by weight while retaining the lot's commercial size classification.

Storage and Handling

Store preferably at approximately 0–1 °C (32–34 °F) and 90–95% relative humidity, maintaining an uninterrupted cold chain. Avoid mechanical damage, excessive compression, prolonged heat exposure and moisture loss, which may reduce firmness and juiciness. For extended commercial storage, controlled-atmosphere systems may be used to slow ripening and preserve fruit quality. Apples naturally produce ethylene, making it advisable to avoid prolonged storage alongside highly ethylene-sensitive produce. For household consumption, keep refrigerated and wash before eating.

Quality and Selection Criteria

Select apples that are firm, clean, intact and well developed, with smooth skin, good turgidity and characteristic varietal coloration. The flesh should exhibit crisp texture, adequate juiciness and a fresh, sweet flavor, without excessive mealiness or internal browning. Avoid fruit with deep bruises, cracks, punctures, pronounced shriveling, decay or fermented odors. Natural variations in red stripe intensity and the proportion of yellow background do not necessarily indicate quality defects. Commercial quality may also be assessed through flesh firmness, soluble solids (°Brix), acidity and freedom from internal defects.

Season

The harvest of Gala apples and their selections in Washington generally takes place between August and September, depending on growing region and seasonal weather conditions. Modern refrigeration and controlled-atmosphere storage allow commercial availability to extend throughout much of the year, supporting a relatively consistent supply.

Origin

United States.

The history of the Royal Gala apple begins in New Zealand, where horticulturist James Hutton Kidd developed the original Gala cultivar from a cross between Kidd's Orange Red × Golden Delicious during the 1930s. Royal Gala subsequently emerged as a naturally occurring color mutation of Gala, selected for its attractive red pigmentation. Its name is associated with Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, who reportedly appreciated Gala apples during a visit to New Zealand. Today, Royal Gala belongs to a family of apple cultivars that helped transform modern fruit production through their combination of natural sweetness, crisp texture, delicate aroma and broad consumer appeal.