Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The biochemical composition of brinjal (eggplant, Solanum melongena L.) fruits—including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and glycoalkaloids—varies significantly among cultivars of different colors, sizes, and maturity stages.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each statement:
- Statement (A) is correct: Purple-pigmented brinjal cultivars contain higher levels of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and anthocyanins than green cultivars.
- Statement (B) is correct: Purple-skinned cultivars generally show higher copper content and elevated polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity. This higher PPO activity is responsible for the rapid browning of cut purple brinjal tissues when exposed to air.
- Statement (D) is correct: The bitterness of brinjal fruits, especially in over-mature or stressed fruits, is caused by glycoalkaloids, primarily solasodine (and solanine).
- Statement (C) is incorrect: Green brinjal cultivars are actually rich in iron ($\text{Fe}$) and catalase activity, so stating they are lowest in these is incorrect.
Consequently, statements (A), (B), and (D) are correct.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct combination is (B).