Always cover your tea when steeping. The tea leaves will unfurl properly when covered. The differing types of tea should be allowed to infuse for the required number of minutes at the appropriate water temperatures listed below. Make sure not to venture too far from your tea when it is brewing.

Do you steep with lid on or off?

Covering your tea while it steeps is very important for herbal teas because of the essential oils it contains. For all other teas, covering your teapot or cup helps maintain the hot temperature while steeping. If you are someone who likes to drink green tea, then it's best not to cover your cup.

Why should you cover tea when steeping?

Boil water, and pour into your tea cup with the tea bag placed inside. Cover your tea cup, and allow the herbs to steep. ... The act of covering your tea insures warmth, a full extraction and that the essential oils of the herbs (which are very beneficial) stay in your cup.