Teetööd

Teetööd is a term used in Estonian-language contexts to describe activities related to tea, including the sourcing, processing, preparation, and service of tea, as well as the broader craft surrounding tea culture. The word combines tee (tea) with töö (work). It is not a formal linguistic category, but appears in culinary, hospitality, and trade writing to refer to the labor involved in bringing tea from leaf to cup.

Scope and practices: Teetööd may cover selecting and procuring tea blends, storage and inventory, quality assessment, and the maintenance of brewing equipment and water quality. It also encompasses the techniques of brewing, steeping times, and temperature control designed to optimize aroma and flavor. In cafés, teetööd includes training staff to prepare tea consistently and to advise customers on different types of tea and preparation methods. Tea tastings, pairings, and educational events may be described under teetööd as part of developing tea culture and guest experience.

Contexts: In modern hospitality and specialty tea shops, teetööd is used to emphasize the professional and craft aspects of tea service, distinguishing routine beverage preparation from the broader expertise involved in selecting, preparing, and presenting tea. The term reflects hospitality industry practices that prioritize quality, consistency, and guest education.

See also: Tea ceremony, Tea tasting, Beverage service, Tea culture.