[jackfoxy]

Pro tip: fruitcakes are meant to be doused in in alcohol, usually brandy, rum, or whiskey. That makes them edible.

[delinka]

"edible" in the sense that they can be processed by mastication. also in the sense that after you've consumed enough, you no longer care about the flavor or ... tenderness.

[jackfoxy]

The treatment also makes them palatable.