Bender's Surprise

Large, oblate (flattened) fruit. Grey-green, becoming cream-colored at maturity. Strongly ribbed, with green grooves. Grainy surface texture with slight to moderate netting. Fruit abscises from vine when overripe. Market mature fruit measure 3.9-5.9" long by 4-6.7" wide and weigh 2-4lbs. Thick, orange flesh with a pale yellow-green rind. Excellent flavor and texture. Very sweet, smooth flesh. Small-medium-sized seed cavity. Mid-season maturing. Donated to SSE circa 2003 by Doug Egeland (NY EG D) who acquired the variety from the USDA (NSL #5643). Believed by SSE to be the variety originally developed by Charles Bender of New Scotland, NY circa 1900 which became regionally popular in that area. SSE Accession # 113363