A cartridge for preparation of a beverage comprising: a closed container defining a container volume； a filter to divide the container volume into an ingredient chamber volume and a filtrate volume； a beverage medium located in the ingredient chamber volume； and a guard element located in the filtrate volume； wherein the guard element is separately-formed from the closed container and located within the filtrate volume to define an outlet zone, the guard element being interposed between the filter and the outlet zone； wherein the guard element is configured to prevent encroachment of the filter into the outlet zone such that on piercing of a piercing surface of the cartridge by a piercing element of a beverage preparation apparatus the piercing element is enabled to be placed in fluid communication with the outlet zone without the piercing element contacting the guard element or filter. Associated methods and systems are also disclosed.
