Amomum

/əˈmoʊməm/ noun

Definition

A genus of tropical plants that produce cardamom and other valuable spices used in cooking and medicine.

Etymology

From Greek amodon/amomon (a fragrant spice). The plant was known to ancient Greeks and Romans as an exotic import from Asia.

Kelly Says

Amomum has been one of the most expensive and sought-after spices since ancient times—medieval European merchants sailed dangerous oceans and established entire empires just to trade these cardamom seeds from one tiny plant genus.

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