Aurora Golden Gala

Seasons/Availability

Aurora Golden Gala™ apples are available mid fall throughout the winter months.

Current Facts

Aurora Golden Gala™ apples are a member of the rose family, Rosaceae, and are of the species malus domestica. The name for this apple was chosen in a nationwide internet-based "Name the Apple" contest sponsored by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The Aurora was developed in the Okanogan Valley of British Columbia, as a cross between a Golden Delicious and a Royal Gala. The Aurora Golden Gala™ apple is protected under the Canadian Plant Breeders' Rights legislation, which oversees all licensing and sales engagements.

Description/Taste

Aurora Golden Gala™ apples are medium to large in size with a cream to yellow colored skin. When grown in cooler areas these apples may display a pink or orange blush. The flesh is very crisp, juicy, and cream to pale yellow in color. The Aurora Golden Gala™ apple is sweet, mild, and fresh in flavor with honey and tropical tasting notes. Known to be a great dessert apple that holds its shape well when cooked.

Nutritional Value

The Aurora Golden Gala™ is a wholesomely healthy apple, high in dietary fiber and vitamin C.

Applications

The Aurora Golden Gala™ is known as a “dessert” apple, meaning that its flavor is best enjoyed fresh. One can eat it on its own (perfect in a lunchbox or picnic basket), in a fruit salad, or in platters and fruit spreads. It makes a deliciously healthy snack for kids, especially when paired with peanut butter. The cut flesh browns quickly, so drizzle lemon juice over the slices if they will be out for more than a few minutes.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

This apple was bred as a cross between the varieties ‘Gala’ and ‘Splendour.’ It was developed at The Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre (PARC), a leader in Canadian apple breeding in Summerland, British Columbia. The organization Agriculture Canada held a nation-wide contest to name the apple and received over 11,000 entries. The winning entry was created by a woman from Ottawa who said that the apple reminded her of the northern lights.

Geography/History

While Canada was already home to several species of crabapple, it didn’t have the sweet apples that we are accustomed to until Europeans brought them in the 1600’s. Europeans started orchards in Hochelaga (now known as Quebec City) and Hudson’s Bay. In the 1800’s Canadian growers began breeding apples in earnest, creating hardy cultivars able to make it through the nation’s harsh winters. Today Ontario is the center of Canadian orchard production, harvesting over 100,000 tons of the fruits every year. Apples are also commonly grown in Quebec, British Columbia, and in the Maritime provinces.

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