View source for Steeping

{{Short description|Act of putting an object under warm water for a relatively long period of time}}
{{about|the act|the medieval coin|Steeping (coin)|the river|Steeping River}}
{{refimprove section|date=March 2016}}
[[File:Tea leaves steeping in a zhong čaj 05.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Green tea leaves steeping in a [[gaiwan]] (type of tea cup)]]
'''Steeping''' is the soaking of an organic solid, such as leaves, in a liquid (usually water) to extract flavours or to soften it. The specific process of [[tea]]s being prepared for drinking by leaving the leaves in heated water to release the flavour and nutrients is known as steeping. [[Herbal tea]]s may be prepared by [[decoction]], [[infusion]], or [[maceration (food)|maceration]]. Some solids are soaked to remove an ingredient, such as [[salt]], where the solute is not the desired product. 

==Corn==
One example is the steeping of corn (or [[maize]]), part of the [[Mill (grinding)|milling]] process. As described by the US [[Corn Refiners Association]], harvested [[caryopsis|kernel]]s of corn are cleaned and then steeped in water at a temperature of {{convert|50|C|F|sigfig=2}} for 30 to 40 hours.<ref>{{cite web | title=Corn steeping | work = Corn.org | url=http://www.corn.org/web/steep.htm| access-date=June 20, 2005 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050613003823/http://www.corn.org/web/steep.htm |archive-date = June 13, 2005}}</ref> In the process their moisture content rises from 15% to 45% and their volume more than doubles. The [[gluten]] bonds in the corn are weakened and [[starch]] is released. The corn is then ground to break free the [[cereal germ|germ]] and other components, and the water used (steepwater), which has absorbed various nutrients, is recycled for use in animal feeds.

==Tea==
Dried teas as [[loose tea]] or [[tea bag]]s are prepared for drinking by steeping the leaves in just [[boiled]] or heated water to release the flavour and nutrients in the dried tea into the water. This is often done in a [[Teacup|cup]], [[mug]], [[teapot]], [[Pitcher (container)|pitcher]] or [[urn]]. A [[tea infuser]] or a [[tea strainer]] may be used to assist in this process. There is a huge variety of teas available in the market with broad based categories like oolong, green, black, white etc. and other specialized ones catering to particular regions such as Assam, Darjeeling <ref>{{cite web | title=Guide to Drinking Darjeeling Tea | date=13 January 2019| url=https://www.thunderbolttea.com/how-make-tea-drink-darjeeling/ |work=thunderbolttea.com }}</ref> etc. Each tea has to be prepared properly pertaining to their make and quality.

==Beer==
{{Main|Brewing}}
Steeping grain is a part of making beer.

==See also==
*[[Brewing (disambiguation)]]
*[[ISO 3103]]
*[[Malting]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}


{{Cooking techniques}}

[[Category:Cooking techniques]]
[[Category:Culinary terminology]]