Black plums, also known as black diamonds or satsuma plums, are a delicious stone fruit that pack a nutritious punch. But when shopping for black plums, it can be tricky to figure out how many you need to buy to get the right amount. So how many black plums are in a pound? Let’s take a look at the average size and weight of black plums to find the answer.
Average Size and Weight of Black Plums
Black plums are generally smaller and oval shaped, averaging about 2 inches in diameter. They also tend to be a bit firmer and drier than other plum varieties. On average, one black plum weighs around 2 ounces (56 grams). However, this can vary based on the specific variety and growth conditions. The main cultivars of black plums include Black Beaut, Satsuma, and Black Diamond.
Here are some more details on the average size and weight of common black plum varieties:
- Black Beaut: 2-2.5 inches diameter, 2 ounces
- Satsuma: 1.5-2 inches diameter, 1.5-2 ounces
- Black Diamond: 2-2.5 inches diameter, 2-2.5 ounces
So a single black plum can weigh anywhere from about 1.5 ounces to 2.5 ounces, with the average being around 2 ounces.
How Many Black Plums in a Pound?
Now that we know the average size and weight of individual black plums, we can determine how many would be in a pound. Let’s break this down step-by-step:
Step 1) There are 16 ounces in 1 pound
Step 2) The average black plum weighs 2 ounces
Step 3) To find how many 2 ounce plums will make 1 pound:
16 ounces (in 1 pound) / 2 ounces (average plum size) = 8 plums
So if you buy black plums by the pound, you’ll get approximately 8 plums in a 1 pound bag.
To show the math:
- 1 pound = 16 ounces
- 1 black plum ≈ 2 ounces
- 16 ounces / 2 ounces per plum = 8 plums
This estimated number can vary slightly based on the specific size and weight of each plum, but on average you’ll get around 8 black plums per pound.
Estimating Plums for a Recipe
Knowing approximately how many black plums are in a pound makes it easier to estimate the quantity needed for recipes. Here are some examples:
- If a recipe calls for 3 pounds of black plums, you’ll need about 3 x 8 = 24 plums.
- If you want to make a pie with 5 plums, you’ll need around 5/8 pound = 0.6 pounds (or 10 ounces).
- To make black plum jam using 2 pounds of fruit, purchase 2 pounds for around 16 plums.
You can adjust these rough estimates as needed if your plums are larger or smaller. But using averages provides a helpful guideline for shopping and meal planning.
Factors That Affect Plum Size and Counts Per Pound
There are a few variables that can cause the number of plums per pound to fluctuate up or down. Here are some of the key factors:
Plum Variety
As mentioned earlier, different black plum cultivars have slightly different average weights. Satsumas tend to be on the smaller side at 1.5-2 ounces each, while Black Beaut plums are typically larger at 2-2.5 ounces each. So variety plays a role in plum counts per pound.
Time of Season
Plums mature on the tree over the course of the season, getting larger and juicier as they ripen. Early season plums tend to be smaller, so you may get more per pound (e.g. 10 small unripe plums in a pound). Late season plums are often bigger and weigh more, so you may only get 6-7 larger ripe plums in a pound.
Growing Conditions
Factors like soil quality, sunshine, rainfall and temperature during the growing season can affect the final size and weight of plums at harvest time. Ideal conditions produce larger plums, while environmental stress may limit growth resulting in smaller fruit.
Storage Duration
As plums sit after harvest, they slowly lose moisture over time. This causes a slight decrease in weight and density. So fresher plums that haven’t been in storage as long may have a higher count per pound compared to older stored fruit.
Best Practices for Picking Black Plums
Now that you know approximately how many plums come in a pound, here are some tips for selecting high quality, ready-to-eat black plums at the store:
- Look for plump plums without indentations, which indicates ripeness.
- Avoid extremely hard or shriveled fruit, which is underripe.
- Choose plums with rich, deep purple skin and a noticeable plum bloom.
- Gently press the plum to gauge ripeness – it should give slightly but shouldn’t be mushy.
- Skip plums with bruises or other damage.
- Aim for plums that smell sweet and fragrant – this indicates ripeness.
Selecting peak ripeness plums ensures you get the best flavor and texture when you bite into these sweet, juicy gems!
Storing Plums Properly
Follow these simple tips for keeping fresh plums at their best after bringing them home from the market:
- Keep unripe plums at room temperature to allow them to ripen further. Check daily for signs of ripeness.
- Once ripe, move plums to the refrigerator. The cold helps slow ripening and extends shelf life.
- Store plums in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge. This prevents moisture loss while still allowing air flow.
- Consume ripe plums within 2-3 days for peak flavor and texture.
- Wash plums just before eating – avoid soaking them as this promotes spoilage.
With proper storage and handling, fresh black plums will last up to a week in the fridge.
Popular Ways to Enjoy Black Plums
There are so many delicious ways to eat black plums when they are in season. Here are some of the most popular ways to enjoy this nutritious fruit:
Eat Plums Fresh
Nothing beats the simple pleasure of biting into a ripe, juicy black plum straight out of hand. The sweet flesh and smooth skin make plums a perfect on-the-go snack.
Bake Plums into Desserts
The rich flavor and pretty purple color of plums make them an ideal addition to cobblers, crisps, pies, tarts and other baked desserts. They also pair well with almond, vanilla and cinnamon flavors.
Make Jams and Jellies
Cook plums down into a sweet spread or jelly. Black plum products make greatgifts too. Be sure to remove the pits first.
Roast Plums
Roasting accentuates the sweetness of plums. Roast halved plums in the oven or on the grill, then drizzle with honey orserve with frozen yogurt.
Blend into Smoothies
Add some pitted plums to your blender for a nutrition and fiber boost to your morning smoothie. They go nicely with bananas, greek yogurt, juice and protein powder.
Make Plum Sauce
Simmer plums with garlic, vinegar, brown sugar and spices to make a rich plum sauce. Brush on grilled pork or chicken, or use as a dipping sauce.
However you choose to use them, black plums add sweet complexity and bold flavor to both savory and sweet recipes.
Nutrition Benefits of Black Plums
Not only are black plums absolutely delicious, they also provide many important nutrients and health benefits, including:
- Vitamin C – plums are high in immune-boosting vitamin C. One plum provides 10% of your daily needs.
- Vitamin K – important for blood clotting. One plum has around 5% of your daily vitamin K needs.
- Potassium – plums provide potassium to control blood pressure. One plum has 130mg potassium.
- Fiber – with 1 gram of fiber per plum, these small fruits help improve digestion.
- Antioxidants – plums contain beneficial plant compounds like chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and catechins.
Plums also have a low glycemic index, so they don’t spike your blood sugar. Enjoying a few servings of plums each week helps provide valuable vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.
Fun Facts About Plums
Here are some interesting facts about plums that you may not know!
- Plums belong to the stone fruit family, which also includes peaches, nectarines, apricots and cherries.
- There are over 2,000 varieties of plums around the world.
- Plums have been enjoyed since ancient times and are believed to have originated in China.
- Plum trees can live and bear fruit for over 100 years.
- California produces about 90% of the plums grown in the United States.
- Prunes are actually just a type of dried plum.
- The plum blossom is a symbolic flower in Chinese culture.
- Plums come in a rainbow of colors including red, purple, green, yellow and orange.
Who knew this unassuming little fruit had such an abundant history behind it! Plums really are a versatile, delicious and nutrition-packed fruit.
In Conclusion
So how many black plums are in a pound? On average, you’ll get approximately 8 small black plums per pound. This number can vary somewhat based on specific plum variety, ripeness, growing conditions and storage time after harvest. But it provides a helpful guideline when shopping for plums by weight or estimating quantity needed for recipes.
To get the most from your fresh plums, look for firm fruit without blemishes and store properly after bringing them home. And don’t forget to enjoy them soon – plums are a tasty seasonal treat that aren’t available year-round in many areas. Whether you eat them fresh, bake into sweets, cook into savory dishes or blend into smoothies, black plums add a boost of sweetness and nutrition to any meal.
