Working with spices, how do I test them?

     I am adding a cooking, baking hint about testing baking soda and baking powder.  I am going thru the spices and put them into glass jars, little jars and shaker jars to have them more organized.  Testing all the baking soda and baking powder containers was simple to do.  So here it is. 
 
 Tips from The Kitchn 
How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired
 Commercial baking soda and baking powder are two key ingredients that are essential to baking, but unless you're a frequent baker, a container will last a long time. While they have long shelf lives, they do eventually expire and won't give your baked goods the lift that they deserve.
 
What's Wrong With My Baking Soda?
 
Even though the expiration date may have passed, there's a simple test that you can do to test whether your baking soda or baking powder is still good to use!
Baking soda and baking powder are essentially chemical leaveners that react to temperature and other ingredients, so you are testing to see if the chemicals are still active. All you have to do is drop a little bit of the baking soda or baking powder into hot water (and vinegar if testing baking soda) and look for a bubbling reaction — if there's fizzing, it's still good to use!
 
This test will help you know if your baking soda or baking powder will help your cakes and muffins rise, or if you should go out and invest in a new package. It's so easy to do and only takes a minute, so get testing!
 
     
How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired
What You Need
Baking powder or baking soda
 Measuring cup
 Hot tap water
 1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon
 White or apple cider vinegar (if testing baking soda)
 
Instructions
1.Measure out the water: Measure out 1/2 cup of hot tap water.
2.Add vinegar: Baking soda needs an acid to get a reaction, so add 1/4 teaspoon of a simple vinegar like white or apple cider vinegar to the water if you're testing baking soda. If you are testing baking powder, you do not need to add any vinegar.
3.Add baking soda or baking powder: Add 1/4 teaspoon of the baking soda or baking powder.
4.Look for fizzing! After you add the baking soda or baking powder, look for an immediate bubbling or fizzing reaction. If it happens, your baking soda or baking powder is still good! If you see no bubbling, it's time get replacements.
Taken from http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-test-if-baking-soda-or-baking-powder-is-expired-tips-from-the-kitchn-111759
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa