| Summary: | This study aimed at investigating the impact of early versus normal grain harvesting on the chemical composition and secondary metabolites of <i>Amaranthus cruentus</i> species grown in South Africa. Mature harvested grain had higher (<i>p</i> < 0.05) DM, CF, NDF and ADF content compared to prematurely harvested grain. There were no significant (<i>p</i> > 0.05) differences between CP, ADL and GE of premature and mature harvested grains. Mature harvesting resulted in higher grain Ca, P, Mg and K content. Essential amino acids spectrum and content remained similar regardless of maturity at harvest. The grains displayed an ample amount of unsaturated fatty acids; the highest percentage was linoleic acid: 38.75% and 39.74% in premature and mature grains, respectively. β-Tocotrienol was detected at 5.92 and 9.67 mg/kg in premature and mature grains, respectively. The lowest was δ-tocotrienol which was 0.01 and 0.54 mg/kg in premature and mature grains, respectively. Mature harvested grain had a higher secondary metabolite content compared to premature harvested grains. The results suggest that mature harvested <i>Amaranthus cruentus</i> grain contain more minerals and phytochemicals that have health benefits for human and livestock immunity and gut function, which ultimately improves performance. This study concludes that <i>A. cruentus</i> grown in South Africa is a potential alternative cereal to major conventional cereals.
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