Provided are modified tobacco plants having reduced nitrate levels and tobacco products generated from the modified tobacco plants having reduced tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNAs). Also provided are methods of reducing TSNAs in tobacco products by altering the gene expression of the nitrate assimilation pathway

Provided are modified tobacco plants having reduced nitrate levels and tobacco products generated from the modified tobacco plants having reduced tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNAs). Also provided are methods of reducing TSNAs in tobacco products by altering the gene expression of the nitrate assimilation pathway

The present application relates to a method of producing natural nitrite, the method including preparing an extract from a plant containing nitrate, activating nitrate reductase within the plant extract, and inactivating the nitrate reductase. According to the method of producing the natural nitrite, nitrite may be produced in a high concentration from natural raw materials without inoculation of reducing bacteria.