Macerate

The soaking of a fruit in a flavored liquid so that the liquid penetrates into the fruit, enabling the food to take on the flavor of the liquid. Common ingredients used for to Macerate a fruit include juices, sugar, liquor, or syrups that infuse selected flavors into the fruit. As examples, a fruit such as maraschino cherries are soaked in a sugar syrup to Macerate the flesh, adding sweetness and flavor. Similarly, pears are Macerated in wine to prepare the fruit as a flavored dessert. Raisins are often Macerated in brandy or rum to add flavors desired for various recipes, such as fruitcakes and baked breads.