What I do is this: I hung bundles of the fresh plant on ribbon to dry. When dry, I crush it between two cotton kitchen towels (flour sack type best) and place in pan with water. Boil it until water gets low and add more water. Bring to boil and let steep until you are ready to continue the process. Strain it through a fine seive or cloth into container suitable for fridge. Cap and keep cold. Discard the residue from straining unless you can get more sweetening out of it by doing the process over again. I never have much luck with that. You can also boil the fresh plant leaves and get a good syrup that way. It is sweeter than sugar, we think and so test how much you like in whatever you use it. It is nearly free when you grow your own. Happy gardening and cooking
