Lisa Chen

Lisa Chen

Fermented Tea Specialist & Asian Fermentation Expert

Bridging traditional Asian fermentation wisdom with modern brewing techniques. Every ferment tells a story of culture, science, and innovation.

Born into a Taiwanese family in San Francisco and now based in New York City, my journey into fermentation began with my grandmother’s kombucha brewing traditions. Today, I combine my cultural heritage with my professional expertise in probiotic beverage development to bring authentic fermentation techniques to home brewers.

Educational Background

  • B.S. in Food Science, Cornell University
  • M.S. in Microbiology, Columbia University
  • Traditional Chinese Tea Certification, Taiwan Tea Research Institute
  • Certified Kombucha Brewer & Educator, Kombucha Brewers International
  • Advanced Probiotic Development Certificate, International Fermentation Alliance

Professional Journey

Before founding my fermentation workshop in NYC, I spent five years as Lead Product Developer at Vital Probiotics, where I developed award-winning kombucha and fermented tea products. My work combines traditional Asian fermentation methods with modern scientific understanding, creating bridges between ancient wisdom and contemporary brewing techniques.

Areas of Expertise

  • Kombucha Brewing & SCOBY Care
  • Jun Tea Fermentation
  • Traditional Asian Fermented Beverages
  • Probiotic Tea Development
  • Herbal Ferments
  • Traditional Chinese Tea Processing
  • Natural Flavoring Techniques
  • Cultural Preservation of Fermentation Methods

At DIY Wine at Home, I bring the rich traditions of Asian fermentation to our global community. My approach combines respect for traditional methods with modern scientific understanding, making ancient fermentation practices accessible to today’s home brewers.

Whether you’re starting your first kombucha batch or looking to deepen your understanding of tea fermentation, I’m here to guide you through both the technical process and cultural significance of these traditional methods.

My philosophy is that every fermented beverage carries a story of tradition, of family, of culture. Through our work together, I hope to help you not just brew better beverages, but also connect with the rich cultural heritage behind these traditional ferments.

Good fermentation is a balance of patience, respect for tradition, and understanding of science. Let’s explore this balance together. Join me in discovering the fascinating world of fermented teas, where ancient wisdom meets modern technique and every brew tells a story of cultural connection and innovation.