Domostroi ("Foundation of a Home") is a 16th century document, drawn up under the auspices of Metropolitan Makery, depicting in detail how a true Russian Christian home should be run. The most widely known version was edited by the priest Sylvester, chaplain to Ivan the Terrible. It emphasizes respect for the Tsar and his officials and unquestioning obedience to their wishes. It has three sections: the first deals with Orthodox faith and duties to the state; the second with home life; and the third with practical matters.

Domostroi contains a detailed picture of a Russian spice chest at that time. It mentions the following spices and flavorings:
      - Saffron (22 mentions)
      - Pepper (10 mentions)
      - Garlic (9 mentions) - garlic and onions were described as prevalent by visitors in the early 17th century
      - Poppy seeds (8 mentions)
      - Hops (7 mentions) - (khmel') were used to flavour beer and fermented drinks from the 11th century onwards. They grew wild in northern Russia; from the 13th century on hops were a regular item of trade in Novgorod and Pskov. They were also strewn like confetti on newly-weds
      - Cloves (5 mentions)
      - Nutmeg (4 mentions)
      - Ginger (4 mentions)
      - Herbs (4 mentions)
      - Hemp seed (3 mentions) - used mainly as a source of oil, but hemp seed cakes are also mentioned. Hemp seed was a common component of food allowances in the 16th century.
      - Lemon (3 mentions) - these seem to have been preserved in salt or brine and were imported. Lemon rinds were a snack in the early 17th century.
      - Horseradish (2 mentions)
      - Frankincense and incense (2 mentions) - for burning near icons and as church offering
      - Cinnamon (2 mentions)
      - Mace (1 mentions)
      - Dill (1 mention) - added to consecrated wine

In 1667 a Polish embassy in Moscow was provided the following spices by the tsar: loaf sugar, cinnamon, saffron, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, ginger, pepper, anise, and caraway. The spices totalled 381 pounds (including 18 pounds of saffron alone).