We use as much ... as .. . with a singular (uncountable) noun, and as many ... as .. . with a plural. Compare:
We need as much time as possible.
We need as many cars as possible.
As much/many can be used without a following noun.
I ate as much as I wanted. Rest as much as possible.
'Can I borrow some books?' 'Yes, as many as you like.'
Fact
Before Columbus, Europe had never tasted corn, potatoes, tomatoes, red peppers, sweet potatoes, tapioca, chocolate, pumpkins, squash, coconuts, pineapples, strawberries, and much more. Why? All these food items are native to America.
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