Identification and characterisation of MdUGT78T2 as a galactosyltransferase with dual activity on flavonol and anthocyanidin substrates in red-skinned apple fruit (Malus domestica L.)

•A newly discovered type of galactosyltransferase from apple is described.•The enzyme, MdUGT78T2, has dual activity on health-promoting flavonol and anthocyanidin food components.•MdUGT78T2 forms quercetin-3-O-galactoside and cyanidin-3-O-galactoside.•Catalytic efficiency is 500-fold higher on quercetin than cyanidin.•MdUGT78T2 is expressed at both the early and late stages of fruit maturation.