熟成(じゅくせい)

じゅくせい
noun, suru verb
aging, maturation, ripening
1. aging, maturation, ripening
The process of food, drink, or other substances developing fuller flavor or improved quality over time through controlled aging. Common in contexts of cheese, wine, meat, miso, and soy sauce.
このチーズは三(さん)年(ねん)熟成(じゅくせい)させたものだ。
This cheese has been aged for three years.
熟成(じゅくせい)肉(にく)はうまみが増(ま)しておいしい。
Aged meat has increased umami and tastes delicious.
味噌(みそ)は長期(ちょうき)熟成(じゅくせい)させることで、より深(ふか)い味(あじ)わいになる。
By aging miso for a long period, it develops a deeper flavor.

GRAMMAR:
Used as a noun and also as a する verb (熟成(じゅくせい)する: to age, to mature). Can also be used in the causative form 熟成(じゅくせい)させる (to age something, to let something mature).

DISTINCTION:
熟成(じゅくせい) specifically refers to intentional aging that improves quality. It differs from 腐敗(ふはい) (decomposition/rotting) in that 熟成(じゅくせい) is a controlled, desirable process.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 熟成(じゅくせい)肉(にく): aged meat (dry-aged or wet-aged)
  • 熟成(じゅくせい)チーズ: aged cheese
  • 長期(ちょうき)熟成(じゅくせい): long-term aging
  • 熟成(じゅくせい)期間(きかん): aging period
  • 熟成(じゅくせい)させる: to age, to let mature
general
Added 2026.2.24 20:39
13000/13414_jukusei