Definition: A marinade is a liquid solution that you soak foods, particularly meats in before cooking. A marinade adds flavor to foods and makes them tenderer by beginning the breakdown process of cooking. The seasonings you add to a marinade are carried into the food by use of an acidic ingredient in the marinade like vinegars or fruit juices. It is important to have this acidic base not only to do these things but because it protects the food from the formation of harmful substances of the surface while cooking. Marinades are particularly important and useful in grilling because of the high, intense heats produced by grills.
An example of a good basic marinade would be Italian Dressing. Marinades can be store bought or made at home very easily.
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