The pumpkin is said to have originated in North America, in particularly Mexico.
It is believed that the word pumpkin originates from the word “pepon”, which is Greek for “large melon.” The French adapted this word to “pompon,” which the English changed to “pompion” and later American colonists changed that to the word we use today, “pumpkin”.
In Greek cookery pumpkin is used in soups, breads, dips, salads, cakes, baked in the oven with lamb or chicken and in keftedes (fritters).
Most regions of Greece have their own version of filo pie. Some regions make sweet pumpkin pie with cinnamon and honey, while others make pumpkin savoury dishes with Greek cheese. The island of Samos is renowned for its pumpkin pie.