Videos showing an avocado placed directly over a gas flame have gone viral, with many claiming the result is “amazing.” The idea behind the trick is to soften the avocado so its oil can be extracted or to make it easier to mash for recipes or homemade beauty treatments.
While heating an avocado can make the flesh softer, placing it directly on a gas burner is not recommended. The intense heat can scorch the peel, create an unpleasant smoky flavor, and cause uneven cooking. In some cases, the fruit may even split or burst as steam builds up inside.
If your goal is to soften a firm avocado, there are safer methods:
- Wrap the avocado in aluminum foil and bake it at 200°F (95°C) for 10–15 minutes.
- Place it in a paper bag with a banana or apple for a day or two to speed up natural ripening.
- If you only need softened flesh for a recipe, microwave avocado halves in short 10-second intervals after removing the pit.
Can You Extract Avocado Oil at Home?
The mashed avocado shown in the image appears to be strained to separate oil from the pulp. While avocados do contain healthy oils, extracting a meaningful amount at home is difficult. Most commercial avocado oil is produced using specialized equipment that presses or centrifuges the fruit.
For home cooks, it’s generally better to enjoy the avocado as-is in recipes rather than trying to make oil from it.
