Retseptid

Retseptid primarily denote sets of instructions for preparing food and drink. In Estonian, the same word also refers to a medical prescription issued by a licensed practitioner. The two senses are distinguished by context.

Culinary retseptid typically include a title, a list of ingredients with quantities, and step-by-step preparation instructions. They may specify cooking times, temperatures, equipment, and servings. Many recipes provide tips, substitutions, or variations and may indicate nutritional information. They vary across cultures and households and can be found in cookbooks, magazines, and online platforms. The format ranges from formal, standardized recipes to informal notes passed between family members.

In Estonia and other countries, recipe collections have long served to preserve culinary knowledge and traditions. With the rise of printed cookbooks and, more recently, digital databases and social media, access to retseptid has expanded and diversified. Proper attribution and reliable sourcing are important for authenticity and safety, particularly for specialized diets or allergy considerations.

The medical sense: A retsept is a document issued by a licensed physician or other prescriber authorizing the dispensing of medicines, symptoms treatment, or therapy. In Estonia, many prescriptions are issued electronically (e-retsept) and transmitted directly to a pharmacy. The system includes dosage, duration, and refill information and is regulated to prevent misuse.

In everyday language, the term retsept can refer to either meaning, so clarification is often required.