Add this ingredient to your pickling jar for crisp, firm gherkins

For crisp, firm pickled gherkins, add leaves of horseradish, oak or blackcurrant to the jar — these contain tannins that inhibit the enzymes responsible for softening. Using fresh, firm cucumbers and a properly concentrated brine is equally important. Soft, hollow gherkins are the result of skipping these key steps during the pickling process.