What component of the cacao bean, remaining after the fat is removed, provides the primary bitter flavor in chocolate?
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Cocoa solids
Cocoa solids contain theobromine and caffeine, which provide the characteristic bitter taste and stimulating effects of chocolate. Dark chocolate has a higher percentage of these solids, while milk chocolate contains more sugar and fats to mask the bitterness.
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- What part of the cacao bean is left over once the fat has been extracted, providing chocolate's bitterness?