macerating
Steeping until tender
Macerating is the present participle of macerate, which means to soften something by soaking it in liquid.
In cooking, fruit macerates in sugar, wine, or juice: macerating strawberries in balsamic vinegar.
The term extends to any process of softening through prolonged exposure to moisture—skin macerates from extended water contact, and plant matter macerates during decomposition.
Completely saturated with liquid
- steepingSoaking to extract flavor
- softeningBecoming less firm
- fruitEdible plant ovary
- wineFermented grape beverage
berries · liqueur · sugar · syrup · infusing · cherries · peaches · strawberries
Stopping working properly
- rottingOrganic matter decomposing
- decayingUndergoing organic breakdown
- softeningBecoming less firm
- moistureSmall amounts of liquid
tissue · organic matter · compost · bacteria · enzymes · putrefying · disintegrating · forensic
Removing dead skin cells
- chemical peelAcid-based skin exfoliation
- softeningBecoming less firm
- hydratingSupplying with fluid
- enzymeProtein that hastens reactions
papaya · pineapple · bromelain · dead skin · treatment · facial · mask · glycolic
Physical dermal interaction
- grape skinsFruit's outer membrane
- tanninsAstringent plant compounds
- extractionAct of removing
- fermentationMicrobial sugar conversion
color · red wine · punching down · pomace · must · phenolics · vatting · pigment
soaking
Completely saturated with liquid
wine · berries · liqueur · sugar · syrup · infusing · cherries · peaches · strawberries · brandy
breaking down
Stopping working properly
moisture · tissue · organic matter · compost · bacteria · enzymes · putrefying · disintegrating · forensic · waterlogged
exfoliating
Removing dead skin cells
- chemical peelAcid-based skin exfoliation
- softeningBecoming less firm
- hydratingSupplying with fluid
enzyme · papaya · pineapple · bromelain · dead skin · treatment · facial · mask · glycolic · lactic acid
skin contact
Physical dermal interaction
- grape skinsFruit's outer membrane
- tanninsAstringent plant compounds
- extractionAct of removing
fermentation · color · red wine · punching down · pomace · must · phenolics · vatting · pigment · oak
- tenderizingtenderizer, mallet, meat mallet, meat tenderizer, pounding
- infusinginfusing, steeping, brewing, permeating, imbuing
- softeningmellowing, moistening, tenderizing, cushioning, relaxing
- bakingbaking, bread baking, cake decorating, mixing, whisking
- cooking techniquessear, simmering, boiling, frying, saute
- food prep methodsmashing, blending, crushing, whipping, grinding
maceratingdrying
Moisture removal process
dehydrating · desiccating · drying out · parching · air-drying
maceratingpreserving
Protecting from deterioration
hardening · firming · solidifying · toughening · crisping