Pronunciation: [tˈiːte͡ɪstə] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word for a professional tea taster is "teataster". The IPA phonetic transcription would be /tiːteɪstər/. The word is split into two parts, "tea" and "taster", with the stress on the second syllable. The vowel "ea" in "tea" is pronounced as /i:/, which sounds like the "ee" in "feet". The word "taster" uses the schwa sound /ə/ in the unaccented syllable, which sounds like a weak "uh" sound.
A teataster is an individual with a refined sense of taste and a deep knowledge of tea, specialized in evaluating and assessing the quality, flavor profile, and characteristics of different varieties and blends of tea. They possess an acute ability to discern subtle variations in aroma, flavor, color, and texture of tea leaves and brewed tea. Teatasters play a crucial role in the tea industry, working for tea companies, tea estates, or quality control departments, ensuring that only the finest tea reaches consumers.
These professionals are highly trained and experienced in conducting tea tastings or "cuppings". During a tea tasting, a teataster physically examines the dry leaves, inhales the aroma of the infused leaves, and samples the tea liquor by sipping it. They utilize their expertise to detect nuances in flavor such as sweetness, bitterness, astringency, body, and fragrance. Teatasters have an extensive vocabulary to describe these attributes accurately.
Teatasters are proficient in identifying specific tea origins, including regions, estates, or even individual tea gardens. They are well-versed in the different tea processing methods and styles, such as green, black, oolong, white, or pu-erh teas. Moreover, teatasters are adept at recognizing tea faults or defects that may affect the final product's quality, and they can advise on improvements or modifications during the production process.
Overall, the role of a teataster is instrumental in ensuring consistency, quality, and excellence in the tea industry, guiding consumers in making the best choices for their tea preferences.
The word "teataster" is derived from combining the words "tea" and "taster".
The term "tea" comes from the Mandarin Chinese word "chá" (茶), which refers to the same beverage. It spread through various languages, including Portuguese (chá), Dutch (thee), and English. The precise root of "chá" is debated, but it is believed to have originated from either the Amoy (Xiamen) dialect or the Min Nan dialect of Fujian province in China.
The word "taster" comes from the Old French term "tast", which means "to taste". It entered the English language around the 14th century. From there, it developed into "taster", which describes someone who samples or evaluates the taste of food or beverages.
Combining these two words, "teataster" refers to an individual who tastes and assesses tea.
