Can you still cook fresh shrimp if the shells turning blue?

* Spoilage: The blue color is a sign of spoilage. Bacteria can cause the shrimp to decompose, turning the shells blue or even black. This can also cause the flesh to become mushy and have an unpleasant smell.

* Safety: Consuming spoiled shrimp can make you sick. The bacteria can produce toxins that cause food poisoning, resulting in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other unpleasant symptoms.

Instead of cooking the shrimp, discard them. Always check the freshness of your shrimp before buying and cooking:

* Smell: Fresh shrimp should have a mild, sweet, and slightly briny smell. Avoid shrimp with an ammonia-like or sour odor.

* Appearance: The shells should be firm and opaque, not soft or translucent. The flesh should be firm and springy to the touch.

* Color: The color of the shrimp should be uniform, with no discoloration or blue patches.

* Texture: The shrimp should feel firm and springy to the touch. Avoid shrimp that feel mushy or slimy.

If you're unsure about the freshness of your shrimp, it's always best to err on the side of caution and discard them.