What is Steeping?
'''Steeping''' may mean: #Soaking in [[liquid]] until [[saturation|saturated]] with a [[solution|soluble]] ingredient, as in, for example, the steeping of [[tea]] and [[coffee]]. In the case of [[herbal tea]], it is referred to as decoction, and may also be called maceration. #Soaking to remove an ingredient; Example: [[salt]] from smoked ham or salted [[cod]]. One example is the steeping of [[maize|corn]], part of the [[mill (grinding)|milling]] process. As described by the US Corn Refiners Association, harvested [[kernel]]s of corn are cleaned and then steeped in water at a temperature of 50 degrees for 30 to 40 hours. 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 [[Pathogen|germ]] and other components, and the water used (steepwater), which has absorbed various nutrients, is recycled for use in animal feeds. ==References== *{{cite web| title=Corn steeping| work=www.Corn.org| url=http://www.corn.org/web/steep.htm| accessdate=June 20, 2005| archive-date=June 13, 2005| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050613003823/http://www.corn.org/web/steep.htm| url-status=dead}} {{food-stub}} [[Category:Cooking methods]]