Steeping
Steeping is the soaking in liquid (usually water) of a solid so as to extract flavours or to soften it; this does not apply to tea. The process of teas being prepared for drinking by leaving the leaves in heated water to release the flavour and nutrients is known as stewing. 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 solvent is not the desired product.