What should be done with tea bags after steeping iced tea?

After steeping iced tea, taking out the tea bags unless requested otherwise is the appropriate practice. This method prevents the tea from becoming overly bitter or overly strong due to excessive steeping time. While some tea drinkers may enjoy a more robust flavor and might request the bags to remain in, the standard practice is to remove them to ensure a balance of flavor and avoid any negative impact on the freshness of the tea.

Leaving the bags in until served could lead to an unpleasant taste for those who prefer a lighter brew, as continued steeping can result in bitterness. Removing the bags immediately after brewing allows for maximum flavor control, helping maintain the intended taste profile. Lastly, chilling the bags before serving isn't a common or standard practice and does not influence the quality of the iced tea in a positive way. Thus, the best practice aligns with removing the bags unless specifically requested to do otherwise by the consumer.