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    Home » Resources » Comparisons

    Published: February 18, 2023 | Last Modified: February 18, 2023 by Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju | This post may contain affiliate links. 💬 - No Comments

    Fuji Apples vs. Gala Apples (+ Recipes!)

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    When it comes to apples, two of the most popular types are Fuji apples and Gala apples. Here, I want to share a comparison of Fuji apples vs. Gala apples when it comes to taste, texture, nutritional value, appearance, and what's best to use in various dishes!

    Two panel collage of Fuji apples on top and Gala apples at the bottom, text overlay of title in between.

    This post might contain affiliate links. If you click on those and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    There are many different apples to choose from - Honeycrisp, pink lady, Washington, granny smith, Braeburn, jazz, and a lot more. But Fuji and Gala apples are perhaps most commonly eaten and used in cooking.

    Fuji vs. Gala Apples: Key Differences 

    There are three key differences between Fuji apples and Gala apples. I have a lot more detail in the post below, but here's a summary.

    • Taste & Appearance: Fuji apples have a sweet yet tart taste, with a more citrusy flavor while Galas are more mellow with a balanced sweet-tart flavor. Fuji apples also tend to be larger, rounder and are a deeper red compared to Gala apples.
    • Texture & Use in Recipes: In terms of texture, Fuji apples are also a lot crisper, and less dense than Gala apples. So, they result in a firm bite with juicy flesh while Galas are softer and creamier. Their texture also means that Fujis are better for baking as they hold their shape better than Galas when cooked!
    • Availability: Gala apples are in peak season between May and September, but typically available year-round. Fuji apples, on the other hand, are a late-ripening variety, and peak between November and December in the Northern hemisphere and May to June in the Southern hemisphere.
    Fuji ApplesGala Apples
    Origin Fujisaka, Japan New Zealand 
    Grown InCultivated in Fujisaki, Japan but found around the world Can be found anywhere in the world. 
    Size 75mm55mm
    Season Fall and Winter (September-December)Year-Round (fresher between May and September)
    Taste Citrusy, TartSweet and Balanced
    Texture Firm and crisp, holds shape  Soft, creamy and dense
    Color Darker redLighter red
    Uses Can be used for cooking and baking, holds texture and shapeCan be eaten raw and used in salads due to its sweetness.

    History 

    This is where I get to nerd out on history, but if you want to skip ahead, make sure to use the table of contents at the top of the page.

    The Fuji apple was first developed in Fujisaki Japan in the year 1930, but it wasn't until the late 1960s that it made it's way to the West. These red apples quickly became popular in the US and Europe due to its sweet taste, crisp flesh and pretty red skin.

    The Gala apple, on the other hand, has a much shorter history. It was developed in New Zealand in 1934 and got to the US in 1980. Unlike the Fuji, which is a cross between two different types of apples, the Gala is a chance seedling, meaning it developed without any human intervention!

    Where are Fuji and Gala apples grown?

    The name "Fuji" comes from the fact that Fuji Apples are grown in Fujisaki, Japan. They believe that the temperature in this country makes the Fuji apple the best one. However, it's now grown all over the US, Japan and China.

    Gala apples on the other hand can be grown almost everywhere in the world. These apples originally come from New Zealand. Gala apples are grown in Washington, Europe, Chile, Argentina, and South Africa.

    When are Fuji and Gala apples in season?

    Both of the apple types are available year-round, but the peak season for Fuji apples is September until December. Gala apples are available all year long, with a peak season in the summer. So, if you're looking for Fuji apples, your best bet is to head to the grocery stores from winter seasons to fall. And if you're looking for Gala apples, you can find them any time of year!

    Taste

    These two kinds of apples are both delicious in their own ways. Fuji apples are a sweet and tart flavor, whereas Gala fruit has a mellower, sweeter flavor with no hints of tartness. The flesh of Fuji fruits is very crisp and thick. It has an acidic taste that is quite similar to the taste of green apples. Gala, on the other hand, has a more flowery fragrance and delicious sweetness when fully ripe.

    Texture 

    Fuji apples are much denser than Gala apples. When you bite into a Fuji apple, you can really feel the difference in terms of density. The flesh of a Fuji apple has firm texture than that of a Gala apple. Either way, you can't really go wrong with either type of apple. Both the Fuji and Gala apples are the best choice for snacking, baking, or even just eating out of hand.

    Color 

    Both of these apples have differences when it comes to color.  The Fuji apple is red and green and may differ when it comes to its maturity. On the other hand, the Gala apple is yellow and orange and has striped color from the bottom to the top of it. Both of these apples have a darker color and can contain polyphenols which are good in preventing high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer. 

    Sweetness 

    When it comes to the sweet apples, there are two clear front runners: Fuji and Gala. Both of these apples are incredibly one of the sweetest apples, making them a great snack or dessert. However, there is a slight difference in the sweetness of these two types of apples. 

    Fuji apples have a slightly sweet taste than Gala apples. This is because Fuji apples have a citrusy flavor that is not present in Gala apples. This citrusy flavor makes Fuji apples more distinct than the Gala apples.

    Common Uses 

    In terms of the best uses of these two apples, it is where fuji and gala differ the most. Gala apples are better for eating raw and are best if you wanted to do salads with apples or if you wanted to add sweetness and crunch to your lunchtime sandwich.

    Fuji apples, on the other hand, are the better choice for cooking. This is because of the different textures of the two types of apples. They don't turn mushy as quickly as other types of apples when heated due to their firm flesh. So, if you're planning on making an apple pie or some other type of cooked dish, fuji apples are an excellent choice for it.

    Recipes with Fuji and Gala Apples

    Some recipes can use either Fuji or Gala apples, or even both! From sweet apple pies to Instant Pot apple butter, you can definitely get creative in the kitchen and explore the possibilities with Fuji and Gala apples!

    Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
    A close-up of a sliced apple pie with graham cracker crust on a white plate, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 
    Enjoy the classic taste of apple pie with a delicious and easy-to-make graham cracker crust. It's the perfect complement to a warm cup of tea, or for an afternoon snack with family.
    Get Apple Pie Recipe
    No Peel Instant Pot Applesauce (No Sugar)
    Close up of applesauce in a glass jar with a spoon sticking out.
    Use both Fuji and Gala apples (or either!) to make this delicious, no peel and no sugar-added Instant Pot applesauce! This homemade recipe is wonderfully seasoned with cinnamon and only requires a few minutes to make.
    Make Applesauce!
    Cinnamon Dehydrated Apples (Fuji or Gala Apples!)
    Side view of dehydrated apples with a red and white checkered napkin on the back.
    This Ninja Foodi dehydrated apples with cinnamon are a must-try! Crispy, and delicious, serve these apple chips for breakfast, as a snack, or simply use them in recipes!
    Make dehydrated apples!
    Almond Apple Cake (with Gala Apples)
    Overhead view of almond apple cake in cake tin, with apples on the table around it.
    With a fine, spongy almond crumb and the delicate sweetness of honey, this almond apple cake with apple roses is the ultimate dessert you can make with Gala apples.
    Make Almond Apple Cake!
    Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples
    Baked apple sliced open on a chrome plate, with spoon sticking out.
    You are going to love this easy air fryer apple dessert. These baked apples made with maple syrup are perfect for Autumn.
    Make Baked Gala Apples!
    Apple Curd (with Fuji Apples)
    Jar of apple curd with Fuji apple in the background.
    This easy apple curd recipe transforms fresh apples and a few simple ingredients into a smooth, tart, and creamy dessert.
    Make Apple Curd!
    Gluten-Free Russian Sharlotka (with Gala Apples)
    Overhead view of gluten-free apple cake with a slice taken out.
    This gluten-free apple cake is a plush, tall Russian gluten free sharlotka that tastes like a cloud when you bite into it.
    Make GF Apple Cake!
    Cinnamon Dusted Apple Pie (with Gala Apples!)
    Apple pies on a blue background, with cinnamon sugar dusted on them
    Learn how to make this delicious cinnamon coated Apple Pie. The exterior is crunchy, crispy, and beautifully golden brown. The filling is made with Gala apples that still have a wonderful bite and shape even after frying.
    Make Cinnamon Dusted Apple Pie!
    Homemade Guava Applesauce (with Gala Apples!)
    Guava Applesauce in a glass jar placed on a wooden platter.
    This homemade guava applesauce is one of the most delicious applesauce variations. This recipe takes the classic one up a notch with this guava flavored applesauce. You will be surprised at how easy it is to make applesauce from scratch!
    Make Guava Applesauce
    Mini Apple Pies with Short Crust (with Gala Apples)
    Mini apple pies made with short crust, placed on newspaper.
    Mini Apple Pies are one of the most beloved desserts all around the world. Though the recipe has changed over the years, the delicious combination of sweet
    Make Mini Apple Pies
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    Shruthi Baskaran - Recipe Developer, Food Photographer, and Blogger at Urban Farmie

    I am Shruthi, the recipe developer, photographer and blogger behind Urban Farmie. I have two graduate degrees from Stanford, one focused on food systems. And I hope to bring you everything you need for healthy-ish, comforting, nourishing vegetarian cooking.

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