Although originally native to North America pumpkins are now widely growing all over the world as one of the largest vegetables. This gourd-like squash belongs in the botanical family Cucurbitaceae. In India they are commonly farmed in hill station ecosystems. In Kerala cuisine pumpkins are used in vegetable dishes such as sambar and avial, but internationally they are used in both savory and sweet dishes. High in vitamins and anti-oxidants, pumpkins are believed to remove kidney disorders, control the secretion of bile, as well as preserve and increase virility.