Macerating is the process of coating the fruit in sugar and letting it rest for a few hours or overnight, which pulls some of the juice out of the fruit and creates a syrup with the sugar. ... Macerated fruit starts to break down and meld with the sugar, so your jam is already on its way before you even put it over heat.

What is the purpose of macerating fruit?

Macerating: The process of soaking fruit in liquid and sugar to soften it and release its juices is called maceration. Macerating is similar to marinating—the fruits (in this case berries) absorb the flavors of the liquid as they soak and soften.

Does macerating fruit make it last longer?

Because sugar is a natural preservative, macerating is a great method for extending the life of berries that are less than perfect in appearance or just past their prime. Fruit prepared this way can last for up to three or four days covered in the fridge.