A good-quality Gala apple will be firm with smooth and clean skin. The coloring will usually be yellow with red stripes, but some new strains are nearly solid red. Test the firmness of the apple by holding it in the palm of your hand. (Do not push with your thumb). It should feel solid and heavy, not soft and light. Apples won’t ripen further after being picked. Some apples will convert their starches into sugar after being picked, but this is known as “curing”, and is best achieved by leaving fruit in the refrigerator – never sitting at room temperature.
