Benefits of Marination

Marination involves soaking foods in a seasoned liquid before cooking to tenderize and add flavor. The word originated from the Latin word for sea, as brining involved soaking meats in salty water. Marinades can be acidic, containing ingredients like wine or citrus, enzymatic using ingredients like pineapple or papaya, or dairy-based using buttermilk or yogurt. Marinating meats results in tenderized texture from enzymes or acids breaking down proteins, enhanced moisture and flavor from ingredients absorbing into the meat, and improved juiciness during cooking.