In the 60's, when I was attending Mich. State Univ., I told
my mother to put a grape leaf in the quart jar of pickles. This kept
them crisp for at least 6 to 9 months. They otherwise tended to get
soft and soggy and were not very appealing. I think the head of the
Hort. Dept. mentioned, although I am not sure after all this time.
Paul S.