Buckeye Gala Apple: Health Benefits and Selection Guide
- By The FruitGuys
- Reading Time: 3 mins.
Buckeye Gala apples, known for their vibrant red color and sweet taste, are an offshoot of the popular Gala apple variety. In this blog, we’ll dive into their history, nutritional value, culinary versatility, and health benefits. Plus, we’ll offer tips on selecting the ripest ones.
Let’s explore what makes these apples a standout choice for your health, fitness, and taste buds.
The History of the Buckeye Gala Apple
The Buckeye Gala apple originated as a sport of the Imperial Gala. A “sport” is a naturally occurring anomaly on a fruit tree that differs from the tree’s main variety. They happen regularly in nature, and when desirable sports are noticed by farmers and/or horticulturists, they often propagate them to form new cultivars.
Dan Simmons of Peace Valley Orchards in Rogers, Ohio, spotted the sport, developed the Buckeye Gala variety, and released it to the market in 1995. The apple’s bright red color, faint stripes, and adaptability to hot climates have made it widely popular. Farmers love that it colors up quickly and they can harvest all of their apples in one round of picking.
Today, you can find Buckeye Galas growing in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia.
The Nutritional Profile of Gala Apples
Gala apples are very nutritious—there’s a reason they say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away! Galas provide a low-calorie option with about 80 calories per apple. They’re relatively high in natural sugars and carbohydrates (16 grams and 22 grams per apple, respectively) but they also offer dietary fiber (about 5 grams) and plenty of vitamins and minerals. Galas will give your diet a boost in potassium, iron, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A. They don’t contain fat, protein, or cholesterol, which is great news for your heart health.
Culinary Uses of the Buckeye Gala Apple
Like all of their apple cousins, Buckeye Galas are versatile fruits. Their sweet flavor and crisp texture make them perfect for snacking at work or at home. They’re also a great choice for juicing, and their flavor and texture hold up well in baking, making them ideal for pies, cakes, and other baked goods. Try this Apple Pear Cobbler recipe next time you have a surfeit of Buckeye Galas on hand.
Health Benefits of Gala Apples
Gala apples are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can support your digestive health, heart health, and more. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of incorporating Buckeye Galas into your diet.
Boost Your Digestive Health
The dietary fiber in Gala apples supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.
Safeguard Your Heart Health
Galas won’t add any fat, cholesterol, or sodium to your diet. Choosing them as a snack over fatty or salty foods can help reduce your risk of heart disease.
Regulate Your Blood Sugar
The fiber content in Gala apples can help slow down your body’s absorption of sugar, assisting in blood sugar regulation. That’s great news if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it.
Reduce Your Risk of Disease
Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant in Gala apples, helps combat free radicals. That can reduce your risk of chronic diseases and promote your overall health.
Tips for Selecting Ripe Buckeye Gala Apples
Selecting a delicious Buckeye Gala apple is simple. Just follow these guidelines:
- Choose firm apples with unbroken, vibrant skin
- Avoid apples with bruises or soft spots (small blemishes are fine—they’re perfectly natural)
- Check for fresh, green stems in season; they indicate recent picking
With these straightforward steps, you’ll consistently bring home the most flavorful Buckeye Gala apples.
FAQs
- Are Buckeye Gala apples suitable for baking?
Absolutely! Buckeye Gala apples hold up well in pies, crisps, and tarts.
- Can I eat Buckeye Gala apples if I have dietary restrictions?
Apples are naturally gluten-free and vegan, so they’re a safe option if you have gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. That said, everyone’s dietary requirements are different, so it’s always wise to check with your doctor before digging in if you’re concerned.
- How long do Buckeye Gala apples stay fresh after purchase?
While apples are best eaten fresh at room temperature, you can store them in the refrigerator to extend their life. Apples will typically stay fresh for several weeks in the fridge.
- How can I spot organic Buckeye Gala apples?
Organic apples are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. To find organic apples, look for the USDA Organic seal. That will guarantee your apples meet National Organic Program standards.
