Golden currant of the Shafak variety is a hardy and drought-tolerant deciduous shrub about 1.5-2 meters high with an open crown. The leaves are oval, bright green with a slight sheen, and turn yellow or orange in autumn. The shrub is decorative due to its golden-yellow or cream-colored fragrant flowers, gathered in clusters, which attract pollinators and contribute to good fruiting. The flowering period falls in May-June, and berry ripening occurs from mid-summer, approximately in July-August. Shafak variety berries have a dense dark-black skin, do not crack, and stay on the branches for a long time. The fruits are small, weighing from 1 to 3 grams, with a pleasant sweet taste and a slight acidity. The first berries are usually larger than subsequent ones. A mature bush can yield a harvest from 5 to 8 kilograms. Golden currant is suitable for making jams, compotes, and desserts. For full fruiting, planting pollinators is necessary, such as the Yermak or Laisan varieties. The plant prefers fertile, well-drained loamy soils and sunny or semi-shaded areas. It does not tolerate waterlogging in the soil. The variety is highly resistant to diseases and pests, and can withstand spring frosts down to -5 °C and winter temperatures down to -30 °C without cover. To maintain the health of the bush, regular sanitary pruning is recommended. Shafak currant is suitable for both large gardens and compact plots, combining decorative qualities with high yield and resistance to unfavorable conditions.
