Royal Gala The first of the season apples is the Gala variety. About 15 years ago, before the Gala really became popular, the first apple of the season was always the Gravenstein. Today, it’s the Gala, or Royal Gala, as it is marketed in some areas. The Gala originated in New Zealand on the farm of J.H. Kidd. It was a cross between a Kidd’s Orange Red apple and a Golden Delicious. The Kidd’s Orange Red apple is a cross between a Cox’s Orange Pippin and a Red Delicious apple. Kidd named the apple in 1965. By 1972, the Gala was making its way to growers in the San Joaquin Valley of California. The Gala has one of the highest sugar contents of any apple, usually around 14 – 16% sugar. Because of that, this apple will spoil quickly. Don’t expect a Gala to store as long as a Red Delicious or some other hearty apple. Eat them up quickly. These are almost the perfect apple for your kid’s lunchbox.