I did a test with and without and it seems it does make a difference in the crispness. Those Italians, while they may look dim, must know a little something. :lol2:
I haven't cracked any with the leaves yet, but several people have mentioned have also mentioned it works. I did 1/4 tsp of the pickle crisp and 1 muscadine leaf with each jar after the first few. I'm a slow learner