Bioactive properties and enzymatic activities in long and round type eggplant (Solanum melongena L.): Inferences for processable traits

•Enzyme activity and functional quality were evaluated in twenty three eggplant genotypes (15 long and 8 round).•Overall, the long eggplant cultivars showed higher phenolics and flavonoids content over round types.•Top ten ranks were held by long eggplant types with only IVBHR-16 (round) at fifth rank for antioxidant capacity.•Lower PPO and POD activity in round types may explain culinary preference for dishes such as Bharta and fried slices.•Round type eggplants were found to have higher suitability for processable traits.