Wait A Pea Pickin’ Minute

Where did the term pea pickin’ minute come from?  If pea picking is supposed to be quick then I have lots of improvement to make.  I picked the last of my peas on Saturday and shelled about 1/5 of the harvest.  

That is labor intensive work, Jack. I took the haul up to the patio and started in.  By the time I was sick of shelling, I felt just like Idella from Driving Miss Daisy.  I have pounds and pounds to go.