Macerating

Macerating is a form of food preparation. Raw, dried or preserved fruit or vegetables are soaked in liquid to soften and to absorb the flavour of the liquid. In the case of fruit, they are often just sprinkled with sugar, then left to sit and release their own juices. This process makes the food more flavourful and easier to chew and digest.

Macerating is often confused with "marination", also known as marinating, which is the process of soaking foods in a seasoned, often acidic, liquid before cooking.

Macerating Fruit

• Place fruit in a bowl.
• Add sugar, such as brown sugar or icing sugar, and liquid, such as brandy, liqueur or fruit juice.
• Stir to combine.
• Set aside to macerate.
• The liquid and sugar will partially break down the fruit and extract some of its juices, which will combine with the liquid ingredients to create a flavoursome sauce.
• Serve the fruit and its juices with your choice of topping, such as Greek-style yoghurt.