Cut 3 lemons (or enough to make about 9 ounces) into quarters. Remove any visible seeds. Put them in a bowl and toss with the salt.
Put the bay leaf in the bottom of a clean pint jar. Tightly pack the lemon quarters in the jar. Add any salt remaining in the bowl.
Juice about a pound of the remaining lemons. Pour the juice over the lemons in the jar, making sure that all are covered. Juice more of the remaining lemons if needed. Press a round of parchment paper on top of the lemons to keep them submerged.
Affix a lid and refrigerate for 1 month before using. The lemons will keep for several months in the refrigerator.
Notes
*This recipe is also great with Eureka lemons, the variety most commonly stocked in stores.