Fuji Apples vs. Gala Apples (+ Recipes!) (2024)

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!

Fuji Apples vs. Gala Apples (+ Recipes!) (1)

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.
FujiApplesGalaApples
OriginFujisaka, JapanNew Zealand
Grown InCultivated in Fujisaki, Japan but found around the worldCan be found anywhere in the world.
Size75mm55mm
SeasonFall and Winter (September-December)Year-Round (fresher between May and September)
TasteCitrusy, TartSweetand Balanced
TextureFirm and crisp, holds shape Soft, creamy and dense
ColorDarker redLighter red
UsesCan 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

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)

Fuji Apples vs. Gala Apples (+ Recipes!) (3)

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!)

Fuji Apples vs. Gala Apples (+ Recipes!) (4)

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)

Fuji Apples vs. Gala Apples (+ Recipes!) (5)

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

Fuji Apples vs. Gala Apples (+ Recipes!) (6)

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)

Fuji Apples vs. Gala Apples (+ Recipes!) (7)

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)

Fuji Apples vs. Gala Apples (+ Recipes!) (8)

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!)

Fuji Apples vs. Gala Apples (+ Recipes!) (9)

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!)

Fuji Apples vs. Gala Apples (+ Recipes!) (10)

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)

Fuji Apples vs. Gala Apples (+ Recipes!) (11)

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

Fuji Apples vs. Gala Apples (+ Recipes!) (2024)

FAQs

Which are better, Gala apples or Fuji apples? ›

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.

Which apple is sweeter, Gala or Fiji? ›

While there is an extremely wide variety of apples, all with varying flavors, the sweetest-tasting apple is fuji, followed by gala, honeycrisp, and Red Delicious apples. These apples are great for snacking and eating as is. Granny Smith, McIntosh, and Pink Lady fall on the tart end of the spectrum.

What are Gala apples best for? ›

Gala apples

Gala's have a golden yellow and red exterior with a slightly yellow interior color. They have a mildly sweet flavor and crisp texture. Known as a good snacking apple they are also good for baking, juicing and freezing.

Can you cook the Fuji and Gala apples? ›

For this recipe, I prefer Fuji or Gala apples because they are on the sweeter side and seem to cook the best. Just peel 3 or 4 apples, dice into ½ inch chunks and add to a pot. Add ground cinnamon and cover the apples with water.

Which apple is the healthiest apple? ›

Some, however, have unique health benefits. Red Delicious apples are the healthiest from an antioxidant standpoint, Crumble Smith says. The darker the color of the apple, the richer it'll be in antioxidants.

What is the tastiest apple? ›

If you have a sweet tooth, you're going to want to head over to the other end of the scale where you'll find the Fuji, Honeycrisp, Ambrosia™, Gala, Golden Delicious, and Red Delicious apples. These sweeter apples contain more natural sugars and can hide any tart flavors even if they are more acidic!

What are the top 5 apples for baking? ›

For the best pies, crisps, and other baked treats, apples need to be firm enough to hold their own during the cooking process. We call these apples “baking apples” and to namedrop, they include Braeburn, Cortland, Honey Gold, Jonathan, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Haralson, and Newtown Pippin.

Are Fuji apples good for cooking? ›

Fuji Apples

Developed in Japan in the 1930s, they're also one of the sweetest apples you can find, making them an ideal choice for muffins, galettes, tarts, and more. Just like a Granny Smith apple, a Fuji variety will hold up nicely in the oven, and it's available year-round in most supermarkets.

Are Gala apples ok for baking? ›

While great for snacking, Gala, Fuji and Red Delicious are the most common apples that won't hold up in the oven and will give you a watery-mushy pie, tart or cake.

Do Gala apples get mushy when cooked? ›

Softer apples like Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, or Macintosh break down too much in the heat of the oven, basically turning into applesauce. So avoid those, and opt for a variety that's firm and crisp like Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp. They'll turn velvety soft while still retaining their shape.

Why are Gala apples so good? ›

Fiber: Containing around 5 grams of fiber, gala apples help you feel full longer which keeps you from unnecessary snacking. It also regulates your digestion while supporting healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Sugar: Apples contain natural, not processed, sugar, which provides a great dose of energy.

Why are Fuji apples better? ›

Fuji apples are typically round and range from large to very large, averaging 75 millimetres (3.0 in) in diameter. They contain from 9–11% sugars by weight and have a dense flesh that is sweeter and crisper than many other apple cultivars, making them popular with consumers around the world.

Are Fuji or Gala apples crisp? ›

Gala: Gala apples are crisp and sweet. Fuji: Crisp, firm, juicy, and sweet. Eating a Fuji is like eating candy! Honeycrisp: Last but not least, Honeycrisp apples are great for snacking.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Manual Maggio

Last Updated:

Views: 6342

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Manual Maggio

Birthday: 1998-01-20

Address: 359 Kelvin Stream, Lake Eldonview, MT 33517-1242

Phone: +577037762465

Job: Product Hospitality Supervisor

Hobby: Gardening, Web surfing, Video gaming, Amateur radio, Flag Football, Reading, Table tennis

Introduction: My name is Manual Maggio, I am a thankful, tender, adventurous, delightful, fantastic, proud, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.