CHAP. 29.—CARDAMOMUM.
Similar to these substances, both in name as well as the
shrub which produces it, is the cardamomum, [Note] the seeds of
which are of an oblong shape. It is gathered in the same
manner both in India and Arabia. There are four different
kinds of cardamomum. That which is of a very green colour,
unctuous, with sharp angles, and very difficult to break, is the
most highly esteemed of all. The next best is of a reddish
white tint, while that of third-rate quality is shorter and
blacker, the worst of all being mottled and friable, and emitting but little smell; which, in its genuine [Note] state ought to be
very similar to costum. Cardamomum grows also in Media.
The price of the best is three denarii per pound.
