A method comprising: (a) enzymatically processing an O-acetylhomoserine (OAHS) fermentation liquor to produce L-methionine and an acetate source; (b) separating at least a portion of said L-methionine from at least a fraction of said acetate source to form separated L-methionine and a residual liquor comprising an acetate-source; and (c) recovering at least a portion of said acetate source from said residual liquor as recovered acetate.