A process of recovering hemicellulose from lignocellulosic material (e.g.,
oat husks) is described. The process involves: (a) contacting
lignocellulose with an aqueous alkaline solution, thereby forming an
alkaline extract; and (b) contacting the alkaline extract with a
precipitation bath that includes water and an organic liquid A which is
miscible with water, thereby forming a precipitate comprising
hemicellulose. In the method of the present invention: (i) the alkaline
extract is not neutralised prior to contact with the precipitation bath;
and (ii) after completion of precipitation step-(b) the precipitation
bath includes organic liquid A in an amount of from 25 wt. % to 70 wt. %,
based on the weight of the precipitation bath.