Alternative methods for whitening tobacco

The method of claiml, wherein the extraction solution is an aqueous solution.

A method of preparing a whitened tobacco material, the method comprising:

• (i) treating a tobacco material with an extraction solution comprising an acid component to provide a tobacco pulp and a tobacco extract, wherein the tobacco material is treated for a time and at a temperature sufficient to lighten the color of the tobacco pulp to give a whitened tobacco pulp;
• and
• (ii) drying the whitened tobacco pulp to provide the whitened tobacco material.

A method of preparing a whitened tobacco material, the method comprising:

• (i) subjecting a tobacco material to hot water extraction for a time and at a temperature and a pressure sufficient to lighten the color of the tobacco material to give a whitened tobacco solids material and a tobacco extract;
• and
• (ii) drying the whitened tobacco solids material to provide the whitened tobacco material.