ichidan verb, intransitive verb
mature; ripen; age; become seasoned
Used especially for foods and drinks that improve through fermentation or aging, such as wine, cheese, miso, or pickles. Implies a desirable change in flavor or quality.
このチーズはよく熟れていて、風味が深い。
This cheese is well-aged and has a deep flavor.
ワインは樽の中でゆっくり熟れる。
Wine slowly matures in the barrel.
ichidan verb, intransitive verb
Archaic use for rotting or spoiling, now largely replaced by 腐る (くさる). Found in older texts.
古文では、食べ物が熟れると腐ることを意味した。
In classical Japanese, 熟れる could mean that food rots.