Why does coconut oil freeze in the fridge and freezer?

Coconut oil is a tropical oil that is solid at room temperature and melts at around 76°F (24°C). When coconut oil is placed in the fridge or freezer, it will solidify and become even harder. This is because the cold temperatures cause the fatty acids in the coconut oil to crystallize and become more solid.

Coconut oil is a saturated fat, which means that it is made up of fatty acids that are all single-bonded to each other. This makes coconut oil more stable and resistant to oxidation than other types of oils, such as polyunsaturated oils. However, it also makes coconut oil more likely to solidify at cold temperatures.

The melting point of coconut oil can vary depending on the type of coconut oil and the temperature at which it is stored. Refined coconut oil, which has been processed to remove impurities, will have a higher melting point than unrefined coconut oil. Coconut oil that is stored at a higher temperature will also have a higher melting point.