Gala

Sweet · Mild · Snackable

September

Gala is a sweet, mild and snackable apple grown at Volcan Valley Apple Farm in Julian, California. It ripens in September and is best for fresh eating and kids' favorite. On our tasting scale it rates sweetness 4/5, tartness 2/5, crunch 3/5.

Harvest windowSeptember
Sweetness4 out of 5
Tartness2 out of 5
Crunch3 out of 5
AromaMild and pleasant; clean, faintly floral
Best forFresh eating, kids' favorite
Good for bakingBetter blended with a firmer, tarter apple
Kid appeal5 out of 5
Grown atVolcan Valley Apple Farm, 1284 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, CA 92036

How Gala compares to our other varieties

  • It is among the least crisp of the 7 varieties we grow (3/5), alongside Gravenstein, Jonathan and Golden Delicious.
  • In our picking order it follows Empire and comes in before Fuji.

Flavor Profile

Sweetness
4/5
Tartness
2/5
Crunch
3/5
Aroma: Mild and pleasant; clean, faintly floral
★★★★★Kid-Approved

Best For

Fresh eating, kids' favorite

History & Heritage

The Gala was born from J.H. Kidd's vision in New Zealand's Wairarapa region. He crossed Kidd's Orange Red with Golden Delicious in the 1930s, and the seedling designated "D8" was selected in 1939.

After Kidd's death in 1945, the seedlings were evaluated against 900 other candidates and eventually named "Gala" by Don McKenzie in 1965. The most charming chapter belongs to a natural mutation discovered in 1969 — when Queen Elizabeth II was presented with these redder apples during a New Zealand visit, the growers renamed the sport "Royal Gala" in her honor.

Today Gala is the most widely planted apple variety in the United States.

Baking Notes

Moderate — best combined with tarter, firmer apples. Gala holds its shape reasonably well in baking, but its low acidity can make pies one-dimensional. The ideal approach is a 50/50 blend with a tart variety like Jonathan or Gravenstein.

Recipes with Gala

Gala Apple, Fennel & Walnut Salad with Honey-Lemon Dressing

A bright, crunchy composed salad with shaved fennel, crisp Gala apple, toasted walnuts, and shaved Parmesan.

🧺 Pack for a Picnic
Prep: 20 minutesCook: 0 minutesServes: 4

Ingredients

  • 3 Gala apples, cored, thinly sliced
  • 1 large fennel bulb, cored, very thinly shaved
  • ½ cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 2 oz Parmesan, shaved
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 3 tbsp good olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Whisk lemon juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small jar.
  2. Combine shaved fennel and apple slices. Toss with half the dressing.
  3. Transfer to a mason jar in layers: apple-fennel, walnuts, Parmesan.
  4. Pack remaining dressing separately. Toss before serving.
Tip: How to pack this for a picnic: Wrap tightly in parchment, then foil. Transport flat in a cooler. Best served at room temperature.

Gala Apple Snack Stack (Peanut Butter, Oat & Honey Rounds)

No-bake "sandwiches" from apple rounds spread with peanut butter, granola, and honey — kids can help assemble.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for a Family Outing
Prep: 15 minutesCook: 0 minutesServes: 4-6

Ingredients

  • 4 Gala apples, cored, sliced crosswise into ½-inch rounds
  • ½ cup natural creamy peanut butter
  • ¼ cup granola
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp mini chocolate chips (optional)
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Pinch of cinnamon

Method

  1. Pat apple rounds dry. Brush with lemon juice.
  2. Spread peanut butter on half the rounds. Sprinkle granola, honey, cinnamon, and chocolate chips.
  3. Top with a second apple round to form a "sandwich."
  4. Arrange in a single layer with parchment between layers. Best within 4–5 hours.
Tip: Make it a family activity: Kids can help measure, stir, and assemble. It's a hands-on experience everyone will remember.

Gala Apple Tarte Tatin for Two

An intimate upside-down caramel apple tart baked in a small cast-iron skillet — impossibly luxurious at camp.

💑 Romantic Backcountry Excursion
Prep: 15 minutesCook: 30 minutesServes: 2

Ingredients

  • 3 large Gala apples, peeled, cored, quartered
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 1 sheet puff pastry (pre-cut to fit a 6-inch skillet)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of flaky salt
  • Crème fraîche or heavy cream

Method

  1. Melt butter and sugar together without stirring until deep amber, about 8 minutes. Add vanilla and salt.
  2. Arrange apple quarters tightly in the caramel, curved side down. Cook over low heat 5 minutes.
  3. Lay pastry over the apples, tucking edges down. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
  4. Rest 5 minutes, then invert onto a board. Serve with crème fraîche.
Tip: Setting the scene: Pack a blanket, two real plates (not paper), and a bottle of cider or wine. The effort shows.

Common questions about Gala apples

When are Gala apples ready to pick at Volcan Valley?

Gala ripens in September. Exact timing shifts a week or two each year with the weather, so check the harvest schedule before you drive up.

What do Gala apples taste like?

Gala is sweet, mild and snackable. On our scale it rates sweetness 4/5, tartness 2/5, crunch 3/5. Aroma: Mild and pleasant; clean, faintly floral.

What are Gala apples best for?

Best for fresh eating and kids' favorite. Moderate — best combined with tarter, firmer apples. Gala holds its shape reasonably well in baking, but its low acidity can make pies one-dimensional. The ideal approach is a 50/50 blend with a tart variety like Jonathan or Gravenstein.

Do kids like Gala apples?

Yes — we rate Gala 5/5 for kid appeal, so it is an easy one for younger pickers.

The other varieties we grow

See all seven varieties · Plan your visit