soaking

Soaking is the act of immersing an ingredient or object in a liquid, typically water, for an extended period. It is used to soften, hydrate, or extract flavors or other substances.

In cooking, soaking dried beans, lentils, or grains helps reduce cooking time and improve texture. Soaking is common for seeds before germination or for overnight oats, and steeping refers to letting an infusion develop in a liquid, as with tea or coffee.

In cleaning, soaking laundry, dishes, or tools in water or a cleaning solution loosens dirt and stains before washing.

In gardening and horticulture, seeds are soaked to begin germination; bulbs and tubers sometimes soak before planting to rehydrate.

In health and industry, soaking appears in practices such as foot soaks or hydrotherapy for relaxation or therapy. In industrial settings, immersion baths are used to remove contaminants, soften materials, or prepare surfaces for processing.

Safety and practical considerations include avoiding excessive soaking, which can cause material damage such as wood swelling or metal corrosion, and skin maceration. Temperature and duration should follow guidance for the specific material or purpose, and delicate fabrics or sensitive items may require shorter or cooler immersion times. Overall, soaking is a versatile technique across culinary, domestic, horticultural, medical, and industrial contexts.