FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to common questions about our teas, teaware, ordering and shipping.
If you have a question that is not answered here, please do not hesitate to contact us using the contact form. We will be glad to assist you in any way we can.
General
Does Yggdrasil Leaf have any retail locations?
Yggdrasil Leaf is an online retailer, and we do not have a retail store. You can place your order directly from our online store.
About Our Tea, Safety & Sustainability
Is your Japanese teas Halal?
Yes, our tea farm and processing company are certified by the Nippon Asia Halal Association (NAHA), ensuring compliance with Halal requirements according to Islamic law and are authorised to use the Halal mark.
Is your teas organic?
Yes, our teas are certified organic. Both our tea farm and processing company hold organic certification under the regulation of JAS, the Japanese Agricultural Standards.
Our blended teas contain a blend of organic tea and other natural ingredients.
Where do Yggdrasil Leaf teas come from?
We source our organic teas directly from our farm, situated in southern Japan on Kyushu Island, Kagoshima. The region features a subtropical climate with ample sunshine and rainfall.
Our farm, located at an elevation of about 500 meters, grows on volcanic soil rich in mineral content. Nestled within 80 hectares of land are a few reservoirs that provide the farm with an abundance of mineral-rich spring water.
What is the difference between "ceremonial" and"culinary" matcha?
The primary distinction lies in their intended use and quality. Ceremonial matcha is the highest grade, meant for traditional tea ceremonies, with a focus on a smooth texture and delicate flavour. Culinary matcha, on the other hand, is more robust and is used in cooking and baking.
Does your tea contain caffeine?
Yes. Some Japanese teas such as Hojicha and Genmaicha have a much lower caffeine content than other teas.
Are your teas free of chemicals like pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilisers?
Our farmer has refrained from using any pesticides and herbicides on his organic tea farm since its inception.
Without the presence of pesticides, the natural ecosystem is preserved, resulting in a farm thriving with beneficial insects which help feed on harmful pests.
In addition to relying on these beneficial insects, our farmer and his team employ a straightforward yet effective machine, equipped with a blower and a spray, to manage pests. The blower releases a powerful gust of wind, while the spray emits water at high pressure, effectively dislodging pests from the leaves. This integrated approach contributes to maintaining a pest-resistant environment on the farm without compromising its organic principles.
Our farmer and team are always seen pulling weeds manually, one by one, on the farm.
He also makes his own nutrient-rich organic compost, rather than relying on commercial organic fertilisers, which increases the health of the soil.
Does your teas contain any additives, preservatives, artificial flavourings or colouring?
No. At Yggdrasil Leaf, we like to keep things natural. Our blended teas contain only natural dried herbs, fruits, flowers and extracts which give an authentic taste and flavour to the teas.
How are your teas packed? What is your packaging made of?
Our teas are packed in an aluminium foil pouch for freshness. Aluminium foil proves to be an optimal choice for tea packaging due to its lightweight nature and its effectiveness to shield against moisture, oxygen, and light. Additionally, its ease of sealing ensures that your tea leaves remain fresh, minimising the risk of oxidation.
What are your tea bags made of? Are they biodegradable or compostable?
Crafted from eco-friendly SOILON material derived from cornstarch, our plant-based tea bags can completely break down and decompose, and emit no harmful gases when incinerated. The biodegradable mesh, attached with the string on the side to prevent breakage, ensures optimal tea extraction, providing a fuller body and richer taste without compromising the infusion process in your cup.
What is the advantage of pyramid tea bags over regular tea bags?
The pyramid design of our biodegradable tea bags provides more space for the tea leaves to fully expand during extraction, enabling a better infusion, resulting in a tea which is richer and more flavourful.
Brewing & Freshness
How should I store my tea?
To maintain the freshness of your tea, it's crucial to shield the tea leaves from air, heat,
light, and moisture. For unopened pouches, ensure they are kept away from direct
sunlight. Once a pouch is opened, we recommend storing it in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness. Remember to tightly seal our foil pouch after each use to retain the tea's optimal flavour and aroma.
How long does tea stay fresh?
All our tea products come with a best-before date printed on the packaging. The average shelf life of our teas ranges from 1 to 2 years, or until the indicated best-before date.
Once opened, the tea’s flavour and aroma may fade over time. This is why our teas come in aluminium foil pouches to maintain freshness for longer.
It is generally recommended to consume the tea within 6 to 12 months for optimal freshness and flavor. However, this duration can vary depending on factors such as the type of tea, storage conditions, and how well the pouch is resealed after each use.
How many servings do I get out of a bag of loose leaf tea? How many rounds of infusions can I enjoy?
This depends on the amount of tea used for each serving. In general, we recommend loose leaf teas be measured at 1 tablespoon (3-5g) per 250g of water. A 50 gram loose leaf bag yields about 10-15 servings and a 36 gram bagged tea contains 12 individual servings or tea bags.
Check the label or the product description online for specific brewing suggestions for each type of tea.
You can re-infuse the tea leaves multiple times during each brewing session. The number of infusions varies among different Japanese teas. Feel free to experiment with the infusion to tailor the taste to your liking, and enjoy!
Is the quality of your products guaranteed?
Yes, we are committed to providing high-quality products that meet the expectations of our customers. In fact, we carefully select only the finest quality tea leaves for all our tea varieties to ensure a satisfying experience for our customers.
Ordering and Shipping
How can I get free shipping?
Shipping is free for orders S$50 or more within Singapore. For more information, please refer to our shipping policies.
What shipping methods do you use?
Local orders will be dispatched through Ninja Van or J&T Express. Customer can view real-time updates on the location of their shipment
I live outside of Singapore. Can I still place an order?
At the moment, other than Singapore, we have opened our market to Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Hong Kong only.
How long should I expect to wait for my delivery?
As fellow consumers, we empathise with the anticipation of receiving your order promptly, and we are committed to processing your order swiftly. Despite our best efforts, please understand that unforeseen circumstances may occasionally cause slight delays.
In Singapore, our standard domestic delivery typically arrives within 1-3 business days.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we strive to ensure your satisfaction with every order.
Can I self-collect my order?
We regret to inform you that we currently do not have a retail outlet for self-collection.
We are eagerly working towards expanding our presence and establishing retail outlets in the future.
If I change my mind, can I return the items I bought?
Due to the nature of our products, we are unable to accept returns or exchanges unless we have sent the wrong order to you, or if the items are defective or damaged not due to the shipping process. For more information, please refer to our Returns Policy.
My order arrived damaged or incomplete. What should I do?
At Yggdrasil Leaf, we work hard to ensure orders are sent correctly and completely. All items are packaged carefully to prevent breakage before it is shipped. If you experience any problems with your order, please contact our customer service team for assistance.
If the damage is caused due to shipping mishandling, do reach out to NinjaVan’s support team to follow up with a claim for your order.
Your support means a lot to us, and we appreciate your understanding as we strive to enhance our services.
How can I pay for my order? What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards - Visa, Mastercard, American Express or UnionPay, Shopify Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Paypal – take your pick!
Is Yggdrasil Leaf teaware covered by warranty?
We regret to inform you that we currently do not offer warranty coverage for any of our tea accessories.
All items are carefully inspected to ensure they're in excellent condition, free from defects, and packaged carefully to prevent breakage, before it is shipped.
If the damage is caused due to shipping mishandling, do reach out to NinjaVan’s support team to follow up with a claim for your order.
Customer Service / Trade
How do I contact customer support?
You can reach out to us at hello@yggdrasilleaf.com. We will be more than happy to assist you with your enquiry.
I want to stock Yggdrasil Leaf tea in my store, who do I talk to?
We would be delighted to collaborate with you in bringing our tea to your businesses. Please reach out to us at hello@yggdrasilleaf.com, and we will respond as soon as possible.