Question
I canned dill pickles last year. They tasted great.
Except, they were not crispy when I opened the jars over the winter months. All that hard work! I was so proud of myself. I would like to have Crispy Pickles. My Grandkids love pickles.
Can you help me for Crispy Pickles. Thank you so much, Karen  

Answer
Dear Karen,
I hear what you are saying.  I've spent years developing my method.  Grandkids being the motivation for me, as well.  I almost gave up on crispy dills, until I discovered this a couple of years ago.  I soak the cucumbers in lime water, as in making lime pickles.  I just prepared the cucumbers according to how I wanted them, slices, spears, even whole.  For whole pickles, I used a fork to pierce the peeling in several places.  I soaked them, overnight, in just a few tablespoons of lime added to 2 gallons of water.  Rinsed them several times in cool clear water, then proceeded with my dill recipe.  
The other change I've made:  I blanched several grape leaves and add a grape leaf, just before I place the lid and ring.
The pickles have been much crisper.
I wish you well.
Kind Regards,
KD
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