Apple Castle: “King of Freshness” and an Adagio Health Partner

At Apple Castle, freshness isn’t just a tagline, it’s a way of life, nurtured across six generations on the Johnston family farm located in Lawrence County. From apples and peaches to sweet corn and blueberries, everything grown at Apple Castle carries with it a story of hard work, heritage, and a passion for feeding the community.

For sixth-generation farmer Steve Johnston, farming was always in his blood. He grew up on the land, racing through orchards and devouring fruit by the handful.

After studying agricultural business management at Penn State University and spending several years working with another orchard and farm market in York, PA, Johnston returned home to Apple Castle in 2010.

“Whenever people ask why I do what I do, I say, ‘How cool is it to grow something with your hands.’ It’s hard, physical work, but it’s good work, and rewarding because you’re growing something healthy for people. It’s great to partner with Adagio Health and help supply produce for the Farmers Market program [again this year],” said Johnston.

For Apple Castle, freshness is more than flavor — it’s a promise to the community.

“Supporting local, keeping things local, that’s what it’s about. You can buy produce that’s been on a truck for hours, or you can buy something picked this morning.” said Johnston.

Although the Adagio Health Farmers Market season has ended, September marks National Fruit and Veggie Month, which is the perfect opportunity to celebrate partners like Apple Castle. Supporting local farmers is not just a summer tradition; it is a year-round commitment to freshness, community, and healthy living.

This fall, Adagio Health and Apple Castle continue their partnership through veteran outreach events, ensuring that the veterans we serve can take home fresh, locally grown produce. Learn more about Adagio Health’s veteran programs here.

Adagio Health’s Teaching Kitchens also help community members make the most of the fresh produce they bring home from farmers markets by showing how to prepare simple, nutritious, and delicious recipes. Each class includes educational tips on preparing food, how to get your family members involved in the kitchen, and important nutrition tips to have a well-rounded diet. Last October, the Teaching Kitchen class made No Bake Apple Crips and included information on how to make the most out of your snacks.

Adagio Health’s New Castle medical office, located at 200 S. Jefferson Steet in New Castle, PA, is just 15 minutes from Apple Castle. See all Adagio Health’s nutrition classes available in Lawrence County here.