Pliny the Elder, Natural History 12.13.50

12.13.50

Simile his et nomine et frutice cardamomum, semine oblongo. metitur, eodem modo in Arabia. quattuor eius genera: viridissimum ac pingue, acutis angulis contumax frianti—hoc maxime laudatur—, proximum e rufo candicans, tertium brevius atque nigrius, peius tamen varium et facile tritu odorique parvi, qui vero costo vicinus esse debet. hoc et apud Medos nascitur. pretium optimi in libras $X$ III.

CHAP. 29.—CARDAMOMUM. Similar to these substances, both in name as well as the shrub which produces it, is the cardamomum, 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 state ought to be very similar to costum. Cardamomum grows also in Media. The price of the best is three denarii per pound.