<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (March 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (March 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> Steeping is the soaking in liquid (usually water) of a solid so as to extract flavours or to soften it . The specific process of teas being prepared for drinking by leaving the leaves in heated water to release the flavour and nutrients is known as steeping . Herbal teas may be prepared by decoction, infusion, or maceration . Some solids are soaked to remove an ingredient, such as salt from smoked ham or salted cod, where the solute is not the desired product . </P> <P> One example is the steeping of corn (or maize), part of the milling process . As described by the US Corn Refiners Association, harvested kernels of corn are cleaned and then steeped in water at a temperature of 50 ° C (120 ° F) 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 germ and other components, and the water used (steepwater), which has absorbed various nutrients, is recycled for use in animal feeds . </P>

What is steeping and what is its purpose
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