Method for removal of potassium nitrate from tobacco extracts

This disclosure relates to a process for selectively removing and recovering potassium nitrate in a relatively pure state from tobacco, and especially from Burley tobacco stems. The process comprises the steps of (1) contacting tobacco plant parts with water to obtain an aqueous extract and a fibrous tobacco residue, (2) concentrating the extract, (3) cooling the extract, and (4) separating and recovering the potassium nitrate crystals formed therein. The denitrated aqueous extract is recombined with the fibrous tobacco residue as in making reconstituted tobacco and the like. The purified potassium nitrate is suitable without further purification to use as a fertilizer, thus eliminating costly disposal problems.