Peel large cucumbers and cut in half. Scrap out the centers. Cut into sticks to fit in jars. (Weigh out 7 pounds of cucumber sticks.) Soak overnight in 3 cups lime and enough water to cover the cucumber sticks.

The next day, drain cucumbers and rinse well (2 or 3 times).

Mix the following ingredients and pour the cold mixture over the cucumbers and let sit overnight.

SYRUP:

3 qt. vinegar
13 1/2 c. sugar
1 tbsp. salt
1 tbsp. celery seeds
1 tbsp. mixed pickling spices

The next day, boil the pickles in the syrup for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Add green food coloring to desired color when cooking. Pour in jars and seal while hot.