Discovering the World in Miniature

Today looks to be the make or break day for Seattle's rainy streak. As of 6 pm we've had no measurable rain but downpours are on the way before morning. "Will they get here before midnight?" is the question on everyone's mind. It's unusual for Seattlites to pray for rain in January but we're talking about setting a record here! I'm sure that we'd all happily trade our hopes for a record for a week of sunshine but that is nowhere in sight. As long as the forecast calls for a solid week of rain that could propel us to Seattle's longest rainy streak ever it would be a shame to give up our chance at the record just because the next storm is a little slow to arrive. As long as the rain starts before midnight we're still in the running. So most of the folks I know are praying for rain to start early tonight.

Today's picture is something you are all familiar with. Stop reading for a moment to settle on your guess before we play 20 questions to get you to the answer.

1. Is todays picture from an animal?
   
   No, it's not from an animal.
   
   
2. Has the picture been color enhanced?
   
   No, using the base light on our scope brings out the natural green.
   
   
3. Have I ever seen one of these?
   
   Yes, you have definitely seen one of these.
   
   
4. Is this something that you eat?
   
   Well, the part that you're looking at isn't the part that you eat but once this is removed, it is quite tasty indeed.
   
   
5. Is this a fruit?
   
   Yes, it's a fruit. In fact, in a 1997 Rutgers University study on the nutritional value of popular fruits this fruit ranked at the very top of the list based on the amount of nutrients they provide per 100 grams of fruit.
   
   
6. Does it grow in North America?
   
   It does grow in North America but is not native to this continent. This plant needs a long growing season with at least 240 frost-free days. In its native Yangtze valley it is called Yang-tao which means 'sun peach'.
   
   
7. Is this fruit a popular export from New Zealand?
   
   Yes, you've guessed it! Today's mystery picture is a closeup of the skin of a kiwi fruit.

Much appreciated in China for over 3000 years, the kiwi was introduced to New Zealand in 1904. Originally marketed as 'Chinese gooseberries', then briefly as 'melonette', Kiwi farmers eventually settled on their favorite Maori word which has stuck ever since. The first commercial shipment of 100 cases of kiwi fruit arrived in California in 1959.

Today, kiwis are grown primarily in New Zealand and in California. Luckily, being in opposite hemispheres, this means that kiwis are available pretty much year round. The kiwi we sacrificed to make this picture had a lovely bouquet and provided a tasty snack for our microscopists.