The widespread popularity of the Gala apple has led to the development and marketing of numerous variations, each carrying a different name. While the core genetics remain the same, these distinct sports or clones are often selected and named for specific, desirable attributes, most notably their skin color and ripening time. Understanding these different titles provides a clearer picture of the apple's diverse market presence and its horticultural evolution since its New Zealand origins.
The Prominent Sports and Trade Names
Many of the 'other names' for Gala apples are not synonyms in the traditional sense but are actually specific sports or trademarked selections. A sport is a natural genetic mutation that can be propagated clonally to create a new apple variety. These varieties are often given unique names for marketing and identification purposes.
Royal Gala and Tenroy
The most widely known and commercially significant sport of the Gala is the Royal Gala. Discovered in New Zealand in 1971, this variety is distinct for its more intense red skin coloration compared to the original Gala. Royal Gala has largely replaced the original Gala in many commercial orchards because of its superior aesthetic appeal. The name 'Tenroy' is a synonym and the U.S. plant patent name for the Royal Gala.
Galaxy
Another notable Gala sport is the Galaxy apple, patented in 1989. This sport is prized for its intensely red, striped skin. The rich, vibrant red hue makes it a favorite among growers and consumers who prefer a deeply colored apple.
Annaglo and Mondial Gala
In addition to Royal Gala and Galaxy, several other names are used for specific Gala sports or are registered trade names. Annaglo and Mondial Gala are two such examples. These names often refer to sports selected for slightly earlier ripening or specific coloring patterns. Growers and nurseries use these identifiers to distinguish between different clonal selections, though consumers may not notice significant differences in flavor or texture.
Other Clonal Selections
The list of Gala sports is extensive and continues to grow. Less common but still documented varieties include:
- Regal Gala (Fulford Gala, Gala Must): A sport with a reddish-orange blush.
- Scarlet Gala: Selected for its distinctive scarlet hue.
- Pacific Gala (Olsentwo Gala): A sport known for its redder skin and slightly earlier ripening time.
- Waliser Gala: Another early-ripening, bright red sport.
- Gale Gala: A sport that ripens up to three weeks earlier and has more complete red coverage.
- Galaval: A French sport known for its intense dark purple-brown color.
Comparison of Gala and Royal Gala
To better understand the differences between the original Gala and its most famous sport, here is a detailed comparison.
| Feature | Original Gala | Royal Gala | Galaxy | Annaglo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Striped or mottled orange/red over a yellow background. | Deeper, more intense red flush or stripe over a gold/yellow background. | Intense, dark red with distinct striping. | Generally has a brighter red blush or stripe. |
| Origin | Bred by J.H. Kidd in New Zealand in the 1930s. | Discovered as a sport of the original Gala in 1971. | A sport of Tenroy (Royal Gala), patented in 1989. | A sport selected for commercial propagation. |
| Flavor | Mild and sweet with a pleasant light crunch. | Sweet, crisp, and juicy with an aromatic flavor. | Offers the classic Gala sweetness with excellent crunch. | Maintains the sweet and crisp Gala profile. |
| Commercial Popularity | Less common commercially than Royal Gala today. | Very common in global commercial markets. | A popular choice for growers seeking high color. | A commercially grown variety used in various regions. |
| Availability | Can still be found, especially in older orchards or smaller markets. | Widely available year-round from various growing regions. | Widely available, often found alongside other Gala sports. | Available from specific growers and regions. |
The Importance of Gala's Lineage
The reason for the proliferation of Gala sports is rooted in its desirable lineage and characteristics. A Gala is a hybrid of Kidd's Orange Red and Golden Delicious. Kidd's Orange Red itself is a cross between Cox's Orange Pippin and Red Delicious. This ancestry gives Gala its unique blend of sweet, mild flavors and crisp texture. The development of various Gala sports has allowed growers to refine these traits, focusing on marketability by enhancing color, accelerating ripening, and improving storage qualities.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Name
While consumers primarily know the apple as 'Gala,' the various names like Royal Gala, Galaxy, and Annaglo represent the horticultural innovations that have shaped its journey to becoming a global phenomenon. These names are not just synonyms but are specific identifiers for clonally propagated variations, often with enhanced color profiles. The next time you pick up a Gala apple, a Royal Gala, or a Galaxy, you can appreciate the intricate history and specific breeding efforts that have brought that particular apple to your hand. For further reading, consult the Wikipedia page on Gala apples for a detailed account of its history and varieties.
A Timeline of the Gala Apple
- 1920s-1930s: J.H. Kidd, a horticulturist in New Zealand, breeds the Gala apple from a cross of Kidd's Orange Red and Golden Delicious.
- 1960s: Gala is commercially introduced and begins to gain popularity for its sweet flavor and crisp texture.
- 1971: The Royal Gala sport is discovered in New Zealand by H.W. Ten Hove, which would later become one of the most widely grown versions.
- 1989: The Galaxy sport is patented in the United States, emphasizing its intense red color.
- 2000s onwards: Gala varieties become top sellers globally, often replacing older apple types in popularity.
- 2018: Gala surpasses Red Delicious as the highest-produced apple in the US, a position Red Delicious held for decades.
The Evolution of Commercial Appeal
The development and naming of different Gala sports have been crucial for its commercial success. Growers can select the optimal sport for their climate and market demands. For example, a grower might choose the Gale Gala for its earlier ripening time or a Royal Gala for its more uniform and deeply red coloration. This diversity allows the Gala apple to adapt to various growing conditions and cater to different consumer preferences, solidifying its place as a supermarket mainstay. The original Gala, while still a fine apple, has been largely superseded in large-scale commercial production by these more visually appealing clones.
