This is not a new trick, it is simply good, old, cooking at its best. When we slowly replace water content in food with sugar we act to reduce the amount of H2O necessary to support the growth of bacteria and microbes. Which is to say, we preserve the food. Sugar is a most excellent prison for your lemons. Keep them alive far past their due date with this solution.
Shrubs represent one slice in the enormous tradition of preserving food around the world. Originally intended to make fruit last through the winter, the process of soaking foreign gems in vinegar and sugar had an unintended side-benefit. The sweet, fruit flavored vinegar was perfect for mixing into cocktails and seltzer water! Try this one with rum, lime, and a splash of vermouth.
INGREDIENTS
600 grams Pineapple
400 grams Palm Sugar
1/4 cup Black Peppercorns, toasted
2 cups White Wine Vinegar
Mix pineapple and sugar in a large bowl and allow to macerate overnight.
The following day, strain the liquid from the solids, you should have about 2 cups of syrup.
Toast the peppercorns until dancing and popping in pan, then add them to your strained syrup.
Add vinegar to the syrup, stir in a large jar, and allow to mellow in the fridge. IT will keep indefinitely.