Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, add juice of 1/2 lemon and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Carefully unroll the leaves (do not separate them). Turn off the heat and place leaves in the hot water for 3 minutes. Remove leaves, place them in a bowl and cover with cold water. When cooled, drain in a colander.
Note: It is not unusual for many of the outer leaves in a jar or can to be damaged, or to tear while using. Set these aside to use later in the recipe.