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Recent feedback regarding Royal Gala apples, particularly those sourced from supermarkets, indicates a significant decline in quality, with many consumers describing them as soft, mealy, and lacking the crisp, sweet, and pear-like flavor they were once known for. Reddit Reddit +2 Here is a breakdown of the feedback and issues: Key Quality Issues Reported Texture: Consumers frequently describe the apples as "soft," "mealy," "gritty," and lacking the original "crispness and juiciness". Some reports describe the texture as turning to "wet sand" or "powder". Flavor: The flavor is often described as "bland," "insipid," "stale," or "boring". Consistency: The quality is highly variable, described as "hit or miss," where one bag might be perfect and the next disappointing. Physical Appearance: Some reports show apples with brownish-yellow patches and poor internal quality despite looking acceptable on the outside. Reddit Reddit +4 Reasons for Quality Decline Storage and Age: Gala apples are often stored for long periods (some up to 6 months), which can turn them into "a six-month-old, previously frozen, grain silo in a fruit jacket". Breeding and Selection: Modern Gala varieties are often bred for higher yields, redder color, and better transportability rather than taste. Industrial Farming Practices: To meet supermarket demands for specific sizes, some crops are heavily irrigated, resulting in larger, more water-filled, but less flavorful fruit. Seasonal Issues: Purchasing off-season (i.e., not from a location currently experiencing Autumn) leads to lower-quality, aged fruit. Instagram Instagram +2 Positive Notes Tree-Ripened/Fresh: When picked directly from the tree, they are still considered to have a "surprisingly punchy sweet flavour" and, when fresh, are still considered a reliable, sweet, and easy-eating apple. Regional Differences: Some consumers still report good experiences with locally grown (US or specific regional) Gala apples. Reddit Reddit +1 Consumer Reactions Many long-term consumers are switching to other varieties like Pink Lady, Jazz, or Cosmic Crisp, which are often perceived as more consistently crisp. Some advise checking for freshness by squeezing the apples for firmness, though this is not always accurate.