So, do you believe that genetic engineering in this instance took place as far back as, if not further than, 17,000 years ago?
Are we postulating that perhaps the pre-ancient Egyptian civilizations (dare I say the Atlanteans amongst them) had the means and the desire to genetically alter food? I believe that we, as a people, are the products of DNA manipulation, so are we to assume then that farther back in history we had the capabilities to manipulate the DNA of plants and herbs? Could this also possibly explain the so-called "hybrid" fruits - pineapples, bananas, etc?