British Indian Ocean Territory

The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), including the Chagos Archipelago and Diego Garcia, has no permanent civilian population and minimal agriculture, relying instead on imported foods for military and contractor personnel. As a result, there is no established pepper industry or distinct local chili cultivar.

Any hot peppers grown would be in very small garden plots or containers by personnel, using common varieties like bird’s eye chilies, Thai chilies, or cayenne from international seed sources. In mess halls and kitchens, dried chili flakes, bottled hot sauces, and imported fresh chilies season standard multinational dishes—curries, stir-fries, grilled meats, and seafood.

Given the large South Asian influence among workers historically linked to the region, Indian and Sri Lankan chilies (such as long green Indian mirch or dried red chilies similar to byadgi) may be used, but as imports rather than BIOT-developed varieties.