Abstract: The invention relates to a process for collecting dispersed plant material particles during the formation of a reconstituted plant material, such as a reconstituted tobacco material. The process involves extracting components from a plant material using a solvent having an aqueous character. As such, an aqueous plant material extract and a water insoluble tobacco portion are provided. At least a portion of the aqueous extract is separated from the insoluble portion. The insoluble portion is formed into a desired shape (e.g., a sheet-like shape). Excess solvent is removed from the formed insoluble plant portion. The removed solvent has plant material particles dispersed therein and is collected. A portion of the excess solvent is removed from the dispersed plant material particles. The dispersed plant material particles are then collected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for providing a tobacco extract. A tobacco material is provided in contact with an extraction solvent. The temperature of the tobacco material and liquid extraction solvent is reduced to below the freezing point thereof to provide a frozen mixture. The temperature of the frozen mixture is then raised to provide a melted portion including the tobacco extract within the liquid extraction solvent. The extract within the solvent preferably has a high soluble solids content (e.g., at least 10 percent by weight of the total weight of the melted portion). If desired, the tobacco extract within the extraction solvent can be further treated (e.g., chemically or physically) to provide or isolate flavorful and aromatic tobacco-derived components of tobacco extract.