Description
Royal Gala is a red strain of Gala, a New Zealand native that is among the most widely grown apples in the world. Medium in size and conical, Royal Gala has red-orange color deeper than its parent, but shares its sweet, pear-like flavor. It is an all-purpose apple and outstanding for fresh eating.
Discovered: 1970s, New Zealand
Parentage: A sport variety of Gala
Harvest: Midseason
History
Royal Gala was named by W. M. McKenzie in honor of Queen Elizabeth II, who was so impressed with Gala given to her during a visit to the orchard that she requested more. She was not the only monarch to travel to the orchard where Royal Gala was discovered: the Queen of Netherlands visited in 1971.