You are asking a question I don't know the answer to. Maybe it is to make them more crisp. I have heard/read about using some kind of lime product in water to make cucumbers/pickles more crisp. However, I think it also affects the acidity level, and that affects how well they will "pickle". One thing I have read..... if/when you have a recipe, follow it. Don't deviate. Experimenting when canning can get you in trouble. So, I am following the recipe. |