In the improvement of a given crop species, knowledge on the grain quality and related traits in the progenitors used in the breeding process is needed to establish their usefulness as a source of a given character, and as well as to plan the proper combinations between progenitors. The aim of the present research was to characterize a group of 49 genotypes of Phaseolus vulgaris and one of Phaseolus coccineus, in relation to physical, cooking and nutritional grain traits. Cultivar Blanco Tlaxcala (P. coccineus) showed a larger grain size and lower protein content than any of the P. vulgaris cultivars. The 86% of the studied genotypes showed cooking times lower to 115 min, and a significant correlation between this trait and water sorption capacity (r = 0.78 **) was found. Cultivars Redlands Pioneer and ICA Zerinza could be used as source of low cooking time; and Perry Marrow, Kaboon and ICA Zerinza in the production of low shell content cultivars. Genotypes G 2333, Negro Lolotla, REN 27 and J 117 showed the highest grain protein content. On the other hand, BY 94022, Pinto Villa and Negro 150 had the lowest trypsin inhibitor activity. Results support the possible use of the above genotypes as sources of those grain traits. In general, large variability was found for most of the quality traits determined; therefore, there is scope for improvement through recombination and selection.