Abstract: A portion capsule for producing a beverage is proposed, having a capsule body with a capsule base and a filling side, with a cavity for accommodating a pulverulent or liquid beverage base being formed between the capsule base and the filling side, with a filter element being arranged between the beverage base and the capsule base, and with the filter element having a non-woven which is arranged in the region of the capsule base.

Abstract: A capsule system for preparing beverages by centrifugation of a capsule in a centrifuging brewing device comprising: a set of different capsules (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E), each of the capsules for selectively delivering a beverage, each capsule (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E) containing at least one beverage substance, each capsule of the set comprising a body (2) having an enclosure (6) containing the beverage substance, an upper wall (4) for closing the body (2) and optionally a flange-like rim (3), wherein the capsule is designed to form, alone or in cooperation with the centrifuging brewing device, a restriction or restriction valve of the centrifuged liquid, wherein the back pressure of the restriction or restriction valve differs for at least two capsules of the set.

Abstract: A system for preparing a beverage includes an exchangeable capsule, an apparatus including a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying a fluid to the exchangeable capsule. The exchangeable capsule includes a circumferential wall, a bottom, and a lid. The wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space including the extractable product. The receptacle includes bottom piercing means for piercing an entrance area of an alternative capsule for creating an entrance opening for supplying the fluid to the extractable product. The entrance area of the capsule includes an entrance filter for supplying the fluid to the extractable product therethrough. The filter is a multi-layer filter including at least a first layer and a second layer bonded together. The first layer has a higher tear strength than the second layer and the second layer has a higher stiffness than the first layer.

Abstract: A capsule for making an infused drink includes a tray-shaped body (12) and a sealing film (16) applied to the open end of the tray-shaped body. A cover (20) is coupled to the sealing film (16) or to the bottom wall (121) of the tray-shaped body and is suitable to interact with an infusor (40) in which passages (42) are made for the transit of the infused drink. At least one cut (22) is made in the protective cover (20) suitable to permit the passage of the infused drink or at least one pre-cutting line (22?) suitable for forming a cut to permit the passage of the infused drink.

Abstract: Processes for controlling strength of an extracted beverage including providing a pseudo packed bed of an extractable beverage material and contacting at least one liquid extraction stream with the pseudo packed bed of beverage material at a selected depth to obtain at least one zone of minimum extraction and at least one zone of maximum extraction. As the depth at which the liquid extraction stream is introduced into the packed bed increases, the zone of minimum extraction increases and the zone of maximum extraction decreases.

Abstract: A portion capsule for producing a beverage is proposed, having a capsule body with a capsule base and a filling side, with a cavity for accommodating a pulverulent or liquid beverage base being formed between the capsule base and the filling side, with a filter element being arranged between the beverage base and the capsule base, and with the filter element having a non-woven which is arranged in the region of the capsule base.

Abstract: A cartridge containing one or more ingredients for the preparation of beverages. The cartridge comprises an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge, an outlet for a beverage produced from said one or more beverage ingredients, an aperture in a beverage flow path linking the inlet to the outlet which generates, in use, a jet of beverage, and an expansion chamber located downstream of the aperture. The expansion chamber comprises an expansion chamber inlet for receiving the jet of beverage and an expansion chamber outlet; and an air inlet located in the expansion chamber in the vicinity of the expansion chamber inlet. The cross-sectional area of the expansion chamber decreases in a downstream direction from the expansion chamber inlet to the expansion chamber outlet, and the cross-sectional area and profile of the expansion chamber outlet are substantially the same as the cross-sectional area and profile of the beverage stream as it passes through the outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved cup cover that includes a base having a slit extending from an edge, and a protrusion extending from the base. The slit can be configured to receive a string associated with a teabag. The protrusion can be divided into a first half and a second half by a through-slot which may be configured to receive the string associated with the teabag. The first half and the second half of the protrusion may be configured to releaseably secure the string associated with the teabag therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage cartridge for use in a beverage preparation machine, the cartridge being formed from substantially water-impermeable materials and comprising an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet for discharge of a beverage produced from the aqueous medium and one or more beverage ingredients contained in the cartridge, wherein the one or more beverage ingredients includes one or more discrete edible components which are substantially insoluble in the aqueous medium and which, in use, are dispensed from the cartridge with the beverage.

Abstract: A cartridge for use in a beverage preparation machine, the cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet for discharge of a beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product is disclosed. The system comprises: at least one disposable capsule; an apparatus comprising a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid to the at least one capsule, a receptacle for accommodating the at least one capsule, and an outlet arrangement for supplying the beverage to a container, such as a cup. The at least one disposable capsule comprises a material barrier for enclosing an inner space comprising the extractable product. The disposable capsule further comprises a displaceable body conceived to interact with the material barrier for discontinuing at least an exit area thereof for enabling passage of the at least a portion of the beverage away from the capsule.

Abstract: A coffee milling process comprising the steps of: a) introducing particles of a roasted coffee precursor into a milling chamber; b) introducing particles of soluble coffee into the milling chamber; c) jetting a gas into the milling chamber to mobilise the particles of the roasted coffee precursor and soluble coffee; d) thereby producing a milled and blended coffee product by comminuting the particles of the roasted coffee precursor by self-collision of the particles of the roasted coffee precursor and by collision of the particles of soluble coffee with the particles of the roasted coffee precursor within the milling chamber. Processes and products incorporating milled and blended coffee products are also described.

Abstract: The invention proposes a system comprising a beverage preparation device (10) and a capsule (1) for preparing a beverage from a food substance contained in a compartment (2) of the capsule by injection of a liquid into the capsule, the beverage preparation device (10) having opening means (3) which are designed to interact with a wall member (4) provided at an outlet face (6b) of the capsule (1), wherein the opening means (3) comprise an opening member (7) having a hook-like shape designed to shear and move away at least a portion of a cover (11) sealed to the outlet face (6b) of the capsule.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for decocting ingredients in a solvent. The apparatus including a container for containing the solvent, a recipient for containing the ingredients, the recipient being placed inside the container, a pipe connecting a bottom part of the container and a bottom part of the recipient, a pump placed in series with the pipe for circulating the solvent from the bottom part of the container to the bottom part of the recipient.

Abstract: A capsule for preparing a beverage or liquid food from a substance in a centrifugal brewing unit by passing water through the substance contained in the capsule by using brewing centrifugal forces. The capsule has an enclosure containing a predetermined dose of the substance and a construction which opens under the effect of the centrifugal forces to allow the brewed liquid to leave the capsule. The capsule may also include a mechanism for engaging the capsule to an external rotational drive of the centrifugal brewing unit wherein the engaging mechanism is configured to offer resistance to torque during rotation of the capsule for maintaining the capsule in a reference rotational position.

Abstract: A capsule, system and method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product is shown. The capsule includes a circumferential first wall, a second wall closing the circumferential first wall at a first end, and a flexible sheet-shaped perforate and/or porous third wall closing the circumferential first wall at a second, open, end opposite the second wall. The first, second and third wall enclose an inner space including the extractable product. The third wall forms an outermost boundary of the capsule in an axial direction thereof. The third wall comprises a woven or nonwoven filtering material, such as filtering paper.

Abstract: System for the production of beverages, the system comprising a beverage dispenser (100) and a pod (10) to be inserted in the beverage dispenser for the passage of the extraction liquid of the beverage. The pod (10) includes a filtering body (11) which defines a space (12) that contains the food substance from which the beverage is obtained. The filtering body(l1) has on the outside a flange (13). There is a recognition element (15) associated to the filtering body (11) which can be recognized and/or interpreted by a recognition device (104) of the beverage dispenser (100).

Abstract: In the interior of a disposable closed bag formed of a package material, a beverage preparation of a solid substance is placed, the substance being capable of giving off components of the beverage through the water-permeable packaging material when the bag is infused in water for preparing the beverage. On part of the package material the bag includes a supporting surface which is formed as a water-impermeable structure having an upward dimension as a collar of a given height, for preventing water from leaking out from the wetted beverage preparation in the bag.

Abstract: A percolating machine for producing a beverage using a sealed capsule containing anhydrous powdered material, the machine having a pressurized-hot-water dispenser assembly extending along a vertical axis, and in turn having a sprinkler having an end wall substantially crosswise to the aforementioned axis; a removable percolating cup positioned, in use, with its inlet facing the end wall, and for housing a sealed capsule positioned with a sealing wall facing the end wall; and a piercing device integral with the sprinkler and having a number of substantially rectangular-based projections, which extend downwards from the end wall of the sprinkler, are equally spaced about the aforementioned axis along a peripheral portion of the end wall, and pierce the sealing wall of the sealed capsule when the percolating cup is set to a work position contacting the sprinkler.

Abstract: Liquid activated infusion packet(s)/system: promoting hydration, containing active and/or inactive ingredients and/or a support member(s). Infusion Packet(s)/System is one or more individual compartments, and/or group(s), whereby the enveloping material(s) may be totally or partially dissolvable, edible, transparent, opaque, decorated, etc. Further, including of one or more: color(s), flavor(s), aroma(s), pharmaceutical(s), nutraceutical(s), dietary supplement(s), enzyme(s), pre/probiotic(s), amino-acid(s), soluble-fiber(s), diagnostic agent(s) etc. regardless of form, +/?effervescence, +/?uniform/controlled-release encapsulations into liquid for humans and/or animals. Enveloping material may be in whole and/or in combination; nonsynthetic/porous, and/or synthetic porous/non-porous with deliberate perforations. Infusion Packet(s)/System +/?tag, support member for assistance, consumer compliance: promotion, advertising, education, entertainment, (toy/game), etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for manufacturing a fabricated leaf tea product. The process comprises the steps of: (i) providing a concentrated liquid tea composition; (ii) providing a base leaf tea; (iii) combining the concentrated liquid tea composition with the base leaf tea to form a tea mixture having a total soluble solids content of at least 50% by dry weight of the mixture; and (iv) drying the tea mixture. At least 20% by weight of the base leaf tea has a particle size of +16 mesh and/or the tea mixture is sorted according to particle size to yield a fraction wherein at least 20% by weight of the fraction has a particle size of +16 mesh; and the time between forming the tea mixture (step iii) and drying (step iv) is at least 5 minutes.

Abstract: The capsule according to the invention consists of a capsule body having a side wall and having a base which is integral with the side wall. The capsule comprises a lid that covers the capsule body in order to form a closed chamber, wherein said chamber contains a substance for preparing a beverage. The base can be penetrated by a device arranged outside of the capsule in order to conduct a liquid through the chamber. The capsule body is made of plastic, wherein the base has a penetration area and a reinforcement area. A central area of the base is designed at the penetration area and the reinforcement area is arranged around the penetration area. The reinforcement area is designed as at least one recessed section in the base, said section(s) running substantially in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: Beverage filter kit usable with a brewing the kit comprising a reusable insert configured to be received within a brewing cavity of the brewing device; and a disposable filter assembly configured to be received within the insert and comprising a substance suitable for preparing a brewed beverage. Filter assembly usable with a brewing device, the filter assembly comprising a paper-based lid portion; a paper-based filter portion; and a substance contained between the lid portion and the filter portion suitable for preparing a brewed beverage; the filter assembly is configured to be received within a brewing chamber of the brewing device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cartridge for retaining a mass of, for example, ground coffee, that includes a cup, a filter, and a cage that supports the filter inside the cup.

Abstract: A container is provided with a body defining an interior space having an opening. A filter is disposed in the body to define an ingredients chamber. Ingredients are disposed in the ingredients chamber and a cover is disposed over the opening to seal the interior space. The container is adapted to allow cover and filter with ingredients contained in ingredients chamber to be separated from the remainder of body.

Abstract: An apparatus for brewing a beverage, which includes an elongated member having a plurality of disks stacked along an axis of the elongated member; a filter having at least one slot and adapted to fit over the plurality of disks; and an elongated housing member having first and second slots on opposite sides of the elongated housing member, wherein the elongated housing member is adapted to fit over the filter.

Abstract: Provided are tea leaves for green tea beverage extraction. A green tea beverage that can be stored without sediments precipitating and without turning brown, and also tastes good chilled, can be extracted from said leaves. Said leaves are characterized in that the relationship between X and Y fulfills condition (1), where X is the weight fraction of theanine content with respect to the total weight of dried tea leaves, and Y is the weight fraction of monosaccharide content with respect to caffeine content. ?0.136X+0.35?Y??0.136X+0.46.

Abstract: A beverage cup lid and a system and method incorporating such a lid is provided. The lid holds an individual serving dose of a beverage to be brewed. Hot water is poured into a chamber of the lid to brew the beverage. The brewed beverage is fed into an underlying cup through an outlet in the lid. The beverage can be consumed through an opening in the lid without removing the spent grounds contained in the lid, from which the beverage was brewed.

Abstract: A beverage capsule is provided for use in a beverage preparing machine. A system and process for making the beverage capsule is also provided. The beverage capsule includes a body defining an interior space having an opening. A filter is disposed in the body to define an ingredients chamber and an extraction chamber. The filter has an air flow permeability of at least 400 L/s.m2. Ingredients are disposed in the ingredients chamber and a cover is dispensed over the opening to seal the interior space. The filter includes a vent region between the top surface of the ingredients and the bottom surface of cover for venting gas through said filter between said ingredients chamber and said extraction chamber. An alternate embodiment includes air flow channels defined in a side wall of body.

Abstract: Capsule for the preparation of a nutritional product in a device adapted to supply liquid in the capsule, said capsule comprising: at least one compartment (13) containing nutritional ingredients for the preparation of the nutritional product in combination with the supplied liquid, a filter (18) adapted for removing contaminants contained in the liquid, wherein the filter (18, 20) has a filtering surface (F) smaller than the cross section (C) of the compartment and at least a part of its filtering surface (F) is preferably offset relative to the cross section (C) of the compartment when viewed in the axial projection of the capsule.

Abstract: The capsule (1) comprises a casing (2) having first and second end walls (3, 4) spaced one from the other and interconnected by a lateral wall (5) having an essentially annular shape, and defining an internal chamber (6) containing an amount or dose of a substance (7) for the preparation of a beverage. The casing (2) has at least one first and at least one second permeable or pierceable wall portion (5a, 4a), acting as inlet and outlet, respectively, for the introduction of a flow of water into said chamber (6) and the outflow of the beverage from said chamber (6), respectively. An inlet wall portion (5a) for the introduction of water into the chamber (6) is provided in the annular lateral wall (5).

Abstract: A flavor pouch includes a porous covering that encloses a carrier having a flavorant. The carrier may be solid or particulate. Flavorants may be one or more of tea, coffee, rose hips, honey, royal jelly, fruit extracts, mint, sweeteners, ginger, pepper extract, exotic flavors, ethnic flavors and the like. Where the carrier comprises a plurality of beads, the beads may have randomly dissolvable encapsulation to extend the time duration of flavor release. To use the flavor pouch, it is placed in the mouth and masticated or exposed to saliva to thereby release the flavorant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule for delivering a food product by injection of a fluid under pressure into the capsule, said capsule having a chamber defined by capsule side walls, a flexible bottom wall and a top wall, said chamber containing at least one ingredient to be dissolved and/or extracted by said injection fluid, and a beverage dispensing structure having at least one dispensing opening disposed through the bottom wall, wherein said beverage dispensing structure includes a pressure retaining element adapted to retain a certain predetermined dissolution and/or extraction pressure in the chamber, disposed in the vicinity of the bottom wall, which includes a protrusion in correspondence to the dispensing opening so that said protrusion is disposed into the corresponding opening and restricts its diameter at the time injection fluid inside the capsule chamber moves said membrane towards said pressure retaining means.

Abstract: Truncated-cone-shaped capsules of plastic can have a lower construction height than the widespread aluminium capsules for creating an espresso, in order to avoid the hot water injection needles penetrating into the portioned package of plastic and bonding. By way of this, a greater quantity of heated water at an increased pressure prevails outside the truncated-cone-shaped capsule with its conical side wall and the circumferential flange projecting circumferentially therefrom. This necessitates greater demands on the sealing of the truncated-cone-shaped capsule with respect to the brewing chamber, in which the capsule is introduced. It is therefore suggested to attach a seal in each case on the flange on the head-part-side surface as well as the opposite membrane-side surface.

Abstract: A coffee-holding funnel for moka-type coffee machines and a moka-type coffee machine utilizing such funnel are described. The funnel and the moka are adapted to be used with single-use capsules containing ground coffee.

Abstract: A cartridge (1) for coffee or soluble products for producing a beverage, includes a container (2) able to contain the coffee or soluble product, a lid (6) disposed over the container so as to define a top wall for entry into the container (2) of the hot water under pressure for formation of the beverage, a filter (4) suitable for being positioned inside the container (2) above a bottom wall (20) of the container through which the beverage exits, wherein the bottom wall (20) of the container has a less thick central area (22), at the center of which are disposed thickening ribs (27) along the edge of which there are etchings (26) able to break when the liquid inside the cartridge reaches a pre-set pressure value, so as to form flexible tongues (28) which give rise to apertures (50) through which the beverage is delivered.

Abstract: A kit comprising a beverage cup (30), an infusible material used in the preparation of the beverage in a closed compartment within the cup (30) and a drink-through lid (1) for the beverage cup (30) the lid (1) having a filter to filter out the infusible material from the beverage. The drink-through lid (1) comprising a lid body (2) with a drink-through aperture (5) defined in the lid body through which a beverage (40) can exit the lid (1 (while drinking when the lid (1) is on the beverage cup (30). The drink-through aperture (5) comprises an area of the lid (1) in which there is defined at least 20 apertures, the apertures being large enough to allow a beverage to be drank through the lid whilst obstructing passage of a filtrate material (50).

Abstract: The capsule (1) comprises a cup body (2), with a bottom wall (2f) on which is a separating structure (3) with a plurality of spokes (4), defined between which are corresponding interspaces (5). The bottom wall (2f) has in its central portion a plurality of drink exit openings (6) which are not aligned with the slopes (4). A first filter sheet (7) is arranged on the separating structure (3) in such a way that a plurality of brewing chambers is defined between the first filter sheet (7), the spoked structure (3) and the bottom wall (2f). A quantity of powdered or granular material (8), especially roast ground coffee, is placed in the body (2) on the filter sheet (7). The second sheet (9) of filter material is applied to a top outer edge of said body (2).

Abstract: A beverage forming system that includes a capsule for containing beverage ingredients and having an outer surface; a capsule-based beverage producing device provided with a member for injecting a liquid under pressure into the capsule, a member for draining a beverage from the capsule, and an enclosing member transferable from an opened state to a defined closed state, in which the enclosing member encloses the outer surface of the capsule; and a sealing member associated with the capsule and which is compressible when engaged by the enclosing member in the closed state, wherein the sealing member is effective to compensate for the clearance between the enclosing member and the capsule which would otherwise exist when the enclosing member is in its defined closed state. Also, a method for producing a beverage using such a system.

Abstract: A capsule (1) for the preparation of beverages within dispensing machines, has a sealing film (4) which is perforated at the time of the use when the pressurized infusion water is supplied to the capsule and deforms the film (4), bringing it into contact with underlying perforation means (6) fixed to the same capsule.

Abstract: A package for a portion of liquid foodstuff dilutable with a diluent includes a reservoir for containing a portion of liquid foodstuff dilutable with a diluent, a reservoir seal for closing the reservoir, a mixing element for mixing the dilutable liquid foodstuff with the diluent. The mixing element includes a mixing chamber having an outflow aperture for dispensing liquid foodstuff diluted with the diluent, a liquid passage for feeding dilutable liquid foodstuff from the reservoir to the mixing chamber, and a feed channel for feeding diluent to the mixing chamber. The feed channel has a first portion and a second portion, the cross section of the second portion being smaller than the cross section of the first portion and be so configured that when diluent is fed to the mixing chamber, a venturi effect occurs in the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A beverage substance for producing a tea beverage is proposed, wherein the beverage substance is intended to be stored in a portion capsule and to be infused in the portion capsule by means of hot water introduced under pressure into the portion capsule, wherein the beverage substance is substantially particulate and at least in part comprises tea, and wherein the beverage substance has a mean particle size of between 500 micrometres and 1,500 micrometres.

Abstract: A form-retaining pad for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption includes a first covering and a form-providing stiffening body, and a substance which is soluble in a liquid. The covering includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet that are manufactured from a material non-transmissive to the soluble substance, but transmissive to the substance dissolved in a liquid. The form-providing stiffening body is between the top sheet and the bottom sheet. The stiffening body has a compartmenting wall configuration having a grid structure which is transmissive to liquid from the top side to the bottom side. At least a part of the soluble substance is accommodated in the grid structure, and each compartment is surrounded by the wall configuration, the top sheet and the bottom sheet. At least the bottom side of the stiffening body includes a bulging part extending away from the top sheet.

Abstract: Pod for the preparation of a beverage in a centrifugal brewing device by feeding liquid through said pod and rotating the pod along a rotating axis “I” in the device to produce centrifugal forces on the liquid traversing the pod thereby forcing a beverage out of the pod by such centrifugal forces, wherein the pod comprises containment walls containing beverage ingredients; said containment walls being essentially made of porous filtering material and comprising a top wall from which a central funnel (10) comprising liquid inlet openings extends inwardly in the pod

Abstract: Capsule (1) for the preparation of a beverage in a centrifugal brewing device by feeding liquid in the capsule and rotating the capsule (1) along a rotational axis “I” in the device to produce centrifugal forces on the liquid and forcing a beverage out of the capsule, wherein the capsule (1) comprises containment walls containing beverage ingredients; said containment walls comprising a bottom wall (2), a widening sidewall (3) and a top wall (4), said top wall (4) comprising at least one liquid- impervious area (7) and at least one liquid-pervious and beverage filtering area (5); wherein the liquid-pervious and beverage filtering area (5) is peripherally positioned on the top wall (4) relative to the liquid-impervious area (7) and wherein the liquid-pervious and beverage filtering area is made of a porous flexible material which is extensible at least in axial direction and has a tensile elongation of at least 250, preferably at least 300% (DIN EN 29073-3).

Abstract: A capsule for use in a beverage production device, the capsule containing ingredients to produce a nutritional or food liquid when a liquid is fed into the capsule at an inlet face thereof, with the capsule being provided with a filter having a plurality of filtering orifices and a flow collection member placed downstream of the filter to collect the filtered liquid from the filtering orifices. The collection member includes at least one restriction orifice to focus the flow of liquid in at least one jet of liquid at high velocity in the compartment containing the ingredients. The invention is particularly advantageous for producing a nutritional liquid (e.g., infant formula) or a food from powdered ingredients.

Abstract: Capsule for the preparation of a beverage in beverage preparation device comprising: a cup-shaped body (12) comprising a cavity containing a beverage ingredient and a flange-like rim extending outwardly from the base of said body, a delivery wall (13) connected to the flange-like rim, characterized in that the flange-like rim is formed of is a polymer material chosen in grade having a Vicat softening point (ISO 10350) between about 30 and 100° C., preferably between 40 and 90° C. or apolymer chosen in grade comprising a glass transition temperature (Tg) between 30 and 80° C., preferably between 40 and 60° C.

Abstract: A capsule, system and method are usable for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage using an extractable product. The system includes a capsule comprising a cup having a circumferential wall, a bottom at a first end, and a flange-like rim at a second end. The capsule further includes a lid, in use, connected to the flange-like rim. The wall, bottom and lid, in use, enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product. The cup further includes a plurality of substantially concentric circumferential ridges extending outwardly of the cup, wherein the ridges are made of the same material as the cup. The system further includes a beverage brewing device comprising an enclosing member for enclosing the capsule. In use, at least one of the ridges abuts against at least a portion of the enclosing member, such that a sealing engagement between the capsule and the enclosing member is formed.

Abstract: Provided is a tea leaves for extraction of a low-caffeine green tea beverage, which is not susceptible to folding or browning during storage, and which enables the extraction of a green tea beverage which can be enjoyed hot or cold. Specifically provided is a tea leaves for extraction of a green tea beverage having a caffeine content with respect to the total mass of the dried leaves that falls within the range of 0.2 to 2.5 mass %, and the relation between the ratio of the mass content of theanine to the entire mass of dried leaves X (%) and the mass ratio of the content of monosaccharides to the fiber content Y satisfies the following condition: ?0.007X+0.024?Y??0.011X+0.039.

Abstract: The invention relates to a form-retaining pad, an assembly and a method for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption. For this purpose, the pad is provided with a covering, in which a water-soluble substance, such as milk powder/creamer and sugar, is included. The covering includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet. The pad is further provided with a form-providing stiffening body, placed between the top sheet and the bottom sheet, with the top sheet and the bottom sheet extending at least partly substantially parallel to each other and to a surface. The stiffening body has a top side adjacent to the top sheet and a bottom side adjacent to the bottom sheet, and, by providing a compartmenting wall configuration therein, has a grid structure transmissive to liquid, in which structure at least a part of the soluble substance is accommodated and each compartment formed by the wall configuration is surrounded by that wall configuration, the top sheet and the bottom sheet.