Parisian is a gherkin or cornichon cuke normally used for making whole, small, sweet pickles (check out a jar in the store to get an idea of the size). I suppose they can be dilled too but the recipes for them are mostly for sweets. Average size for pickling in approx. 1 1/2 to 2" long. Smaller is fine - some prefer them at 1" - but much larger than 2" and they tend to get soft or mushy when pickled.

The spines are normal for them - like most pickling cukes - and they wash off easily.

Dave

PS: if this is your first time home pickling then be very sure you are only using one of the tested and approved recipes for making them.

Thank you Dave!