steeped

Steeped is the past participle and adjectival form of the verb steep. It describes something that has been soaked in a liquid for a period of time, allowing flavors, colors, or textures to transfer. The term is used across culinary, beverage, dyeing, and figurative contexts. In its literal sense, a steeped item is left submerged until the liquid has imparted the intended strength or appearance, after which it is removed or strained.

In food and drink, steeping is most commonly associated with tea and herbal infusions. Tea leaves or bags are steeped in hot water to extract aroma and flavor; the exact time and water temperature influence strength, aroma, and astringency. Green, white, black, and oolong teas each have typical temperature and time ranges, and herbal blends vary widely. Over-steeping can release excess tannins or bitter compounds, while under-steeping may result in a weak infusion. Steeping is also used for spices, spices in syrups, and for infusing oils, vinegars, and other liquids.

Figuratively, steeped is often paired with the preposition in to describe being deeply influenced or surrounded by something, such as tradition, history, or a particular culture: a place can be described as steeped in history, or a person as steeped in controversy. The phrase conveys thorough immersion rather than a temporary influence.

Etymology traces the word steep to the history of the verb and its related forms in English, with roots that extend into older Germanic languages; the exact origin is not always specified in modern usage.