[sunshineband]

I have a jar full of gherkins now, but they have gone a dull greyish green colour already. They were salted, well rinsed, dried and put in cold white wine vinegar with plenty of dill.

Any idea what to change for the next jar full so that they stay green please?

[New shoot]

I've been browsing around looking at pickle recipes recently.   2 tips I have picked up to use salt without an anti-caking agent, as this can affect the colour of pickles, plus that grape leaves in the jar are great for keeping pickled cucumbers and gherkins a good green colour and also nice and crispy. 

I know you have vine in the greenhouse, so grape leaves may be worth a try

[LotuSeed]

I agree with NewShoot that it could be due to the salt. I use sea salt instead of regular table salt. Haven't tried pickling salt.

[sunshineband]

Thank you guys --- I did use regular cooking salt, so I guess that has some sort of anti-caking agent in it 

I like the vine leaf tip, New Shoot. Wonder why that works? I shall give both of these a go on jar number two and report back.

The funny coloured ones do taste OK thank goodness 

[New shoot]

I like the vine leaf tip, New Shoot. Wonder why that works?

From what I've read, its the tannin in the leaf.  It inhibits the actions of enzymes in the veg.   Its an age old tradition as well, which is quite nice to know.  I like this kind of kitchen wisdom that is passed down the ages 

[sunshineband]

I like the vine leaf tip, New Shoot. Wonder why that works?

From what I've read, its the tannin in the leaf.  It inhibits the actions of enzymes in the veg.   Its an age old tradition as well, which is quite nice to know.  I like this kind of kitchen wisdom that is passed down the ages 

Yes, so do I. I wonder if they would go well in other pickles too?

[New shoot]

I've only read about them in connection with pickled cucumbers or gherkins, so I am not sure    Worth a try with other watery veg, as you have the leaves on hand   

[sunshineband]

I've only read about them in connection with pickled cucumbers or gherkins, so I am not sure    Worth a try with other watery veg, as you have the leaves on hand   

I might try them with peppers. Can't see them being needed for onions though