Chinese Cucumber and Carrot Pickles

Ingredients

• 2 large (10- to 12-inch-long) cucumbers
• 1 small carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 thin coin fresh ginger
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)