National Pickling Cucumber is ideal for making dill pickles as it was actually bred to have a tapered shape to fit better into jars. However, this variety is also excellent for salads! National Pickling has a thin-skin allowing it to receive and capture pickling spices easily. Tender and delectable at any age - pick at 2-3 inches as a gherkin, 4 inches for fresh eating or to mature size to pickle.